Liberia to Vaccinate 20,000 Children Left Behind as PIRI Campaign Kicks Off

The Ministry of Health has announced the official launch of the Periodic Intensification of Routine Immunization (PIRI) campaign, set to run from July 28 to August 1, 2025. The nationwide effort will cover all 15 counties and aims to vaccinate approximately 20,000 children under the age of two who have missed their routine immunizations. The PIRI campaign is a critical component of the Ministry’s broader strategy to strengthen immunization systems and ensure no child is left behind, particularly in hard-to-reach, remote, and underserved communities. The targeted children include those categorized as “zero-dose” infants who have never received a single vaccine and those who are under-immunized. Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto emphasized the significance of the campaign in safeguarding the lives of Liberia’s youngest citizens. “Every child deserves a healthy start in life, regardless of where they are born. This campaign is our way of making sure that equity in healthcare becomes a reality, not just a goal,” she stated. In collaboration with county health teams, community health workers, and key partners, the Ministry is deploying mobile teams to deliver life-saving vaccines, including those against measles, polio, and other preventable diseases. The initiative is also supported by partners such as UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The Ministry is calling on all parents and caregivers to bring their eligible children to the nearest health facility or outreach post during the campaign period. Communities are also being encouraged to support health teams in identifying and reaching unvaccinated children. The PIRI campaign represents a renewed commitment to ensuring Liberia maintains high immunization coverage and protects children from vaccine-preventable diseases.