See the Kick Out Polio website for the participating athletes, campaign content, details on the #KickOutPolio challenge, and polio educational material.
Q: Why is the Africa Cup of Nations such a powerful moment to relaunch the push for polio eradication across the continent?
A: AFCON is one of the most watched and celebrated events in Africa, uniting millions of fans across countries. By linking the fight against polio to this moment of continental pride, we can reach families, communities, and leaders with a powerful message: we must work together to finish the job of eradicating polio in Africa and globally.
Footballers, teams, and tournaments command deep trust and influence, especially among young people and underserved communities that are critical to polio eradication efforts.
The visibility of AFCON gives us a unique opportunity to rally support and remind everyone that vaccination is the only way to protect our children against polio.
Q: Africa has made significant progress against polio, yet outbreaks persist in several countries. What is keeping the virus alive, and why is this final stretch proving so difficult?
A: Africa has made remarkable progress against polio, but the virus persists where health systems are weakest, and access is hardest. We have seen a 50% decrease in circulating variant polio detections from 2024 to 2025, but the last mile of eradication is always the hardest.
Today, polio outbreaks are fueled by gaps in vaccination coverage, conflict that disrupts health services, funding shortfalls, and vaccine hesitancy in some communities. These challenges create pockets where poliovirus can survive and spread. Despite this, Africa has shown remarkable resilience. Between January and December 2025, 17 countries protected more than 200 million children with vaccines against polio. We must sustain this momentum and close the remaining gaps to ensure no child is left vulnerable.
Q: The “Kick Out Polio” campaign brings together some of Africa’s most respected football legends. How does their influence help address vaccine hesitancy and mobilise families and communities?
A: Footballers are role models for young people and families. When they use their platforms to make it known that vaccination is the only way to protect children from a devastating disease like polio—and to call on governments, community leaders, and parents to do everything possible to stop this preventable disease—their voices reach millions of fans across Africa and beyond.
By sharing their own journeys of perseverance to become professional athletes, they also inspire us to confront the challenges that remain on the path to a polio‑free Africa.
We are honored to have Sébastien Haller (Côte d’Ivoire), Naby Keïta (Guinea), Fabrice Ondoa (Cameroon), Rodolfo Bodipo Díaz (Equatorial Guinea), Michael Essien (Ghana), and Bruno Ecuele Manga (Gabon) joining forces with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and its partners, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and Rotary.
Q: What role do governments need to play right now to ensure every child is vaccinated—especially amid funding cuts, conflict, and pressure on health systems?
A: Governments are central to success. They must prioritize immunization in national health agendas, allocate resources to sustain vaccination campaigns, and strengthen health systems to reach children even in hard‑to‑access areas. Political commitment is essential to mobilize partners, coordinate cross‑border efforts, and reassure communities. With strong leadership, governments can ensure that polio eradication remains a shared priority despite competing pressures. In case you missed it, our six footballers have shared this open letter calling on African Heads of State to step up commitment to polio eradication.
Q: Polio once paralysed more than 1,000 children every day globally. What would it mean for Africa—and for global health—if the continent succeeds in ending polio for good?
A: Ending polio in Africa would be a historic public health victory. It would mean that millions of children are protected from paralysis, families are spared the burden of this disease, and health systems can focus on other pressing challenges. Globally, it would bring us closer than ever to complete eradication, proving that with determination and collaboration, humanity can overcome even the toughest diseases.
Q: The campaign calls on not just leaders, but also youth, civil society, and families. What practical actions can each of these groups take during AFCON and beyond?
A: Everyone has a role to play. Families can ensure their children are vaccinated. Youth can use their voices on social media and in their communities to encourage peers and parents. Civil society can help spread accurate information and support outreach in hard‑to‑reach areas. Leaders can champion immunization and provide the resources needed. Together, these actions create the collective push we need to finish the job.
Lastly, everyone can help raise awareness by doing the #KickOutPolio challenge on social media. Grab a football, set up a bottle, and see if you can knock it down from the furthest distance possible. Post your video with the #KickOutPolio, and don’t forget to tag a friend and your favorite footballer to take on the challenge too.
Q: With millions of fans watching AFCON 2025, what is your message to parents across Africa who may still have concerns about vaccinating their children against polio?
A: My message is simple: vaccination is safe, effective, and the only way to protect your child from polio. Polio is a serious disease that can cause lifelong paralysis, but it is entirely preventable. By vaccinating your children, you are giving them the chance to grow up healthy and strong. Just as our football heroes inspire us to believe in victory, we must believe in the victory of a polio‑free Africa—and that starts with every parent ensuring their child is vaccinated.
