Upon completion of medical school in 2012, Fadário harbored a vision: to assist in vaccinating as many Angolan children as possible to minimize vaccine-preventable deaths.
Through the collaborative efforts of government officials at all levels, local and global partners, civil society, and the general population, Fadário has witnessed remarkable progress in immunization in recent years. This includes Angola being declared a wild polio-free country in 2015 and the introduction of new vaccines like pneumococcus, rotavirus, and the combined measles and rubella vaccine. However, challenges arose due to disruptions caused by COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021, leading to setbacks in vaccination efforts and leaving many children without proper coverage.
Despite the strides made, Angola still grapples with various obstacles in enhancing immunization indicators and reducing vaccine-preventable deaths. Efforts must be focused on effectively managing vaccines and vaccination supplies, preventing stock-outs, ensuring vaccine availability at all vaccination sites, increasing vaccination coverage across all municipalities, and implementing supplementary vaccination campaigns for targeted diseases.
Fadário acknowledges these challenges, drawing from his extensive experience in the health sector. Starting as an immunization technician with the Ministry of Health’s Public Health Department at 20, he later became a WHO immunization officer in 2001. His work in various locations, including Mozambique, helped him implement successful strategies, like community involvement in polio vaccine administration, leading to improved coverage and acceptance.
Currently stationed in Benguela province, Fadário focuses on active case detection, training health workers and community agents, and ensuring effective post-vaccination monitoring. His mission is clear: no child should go without vaccination, especially against diseases like polio.
Aligned with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, Angola adopts vital strategies for routine immunization with the polio vaccine, supplementary immunization activities, and surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis. Dr. Fekadu Lemma, the Initiative Coordinator for Angola, remains optimistic about maintaining a polio-free status despite challenges like cross-border population movements and informal entry points potentially posing risks.
While challenges persist, Fadário remains resolute in his belief in a world free of polio and preventable deaths. With collective efforts, Angola can ensure all children are vaccinated and safeguarded against deadly diseases.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Angola.