_KickOutPolio Graphic./PHOTO; WHO
As the continent gears up for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, six renowned African footballers have launched the “Kick Out Polio” campaign, using their platforms and influence to champion a public health cause.
The campaign encourages communities, families, and leaders to unite in vaccinating every child against polio, a highly infectious and debilitating disease.
In partnership with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the campaign leverages the reach and popularity of football across Africa to raise awareness, mobilize communities, and promote action toward the final push to eradicate polio.
Decades of global collaboration have already saved an estimated 20 million children from paralysis and 1.5 million lives, yet outbreaks continue in some countries, leaving children vulnerable.
The football stars at the forefront are Sébastien Haller (Côte d’Ivoire), Naby Keïta (Guinea), Fabrice Ondoa (Cameroon), Rodolfo Bodipo Díaz (Equatorial Guinea), Michael Essien (Ghana), and Bruno Ecuele Manga (Gabon).
Through social media challenges, personal stories of perseverance, and public advocacy, they are demonstrating how sport can inspire collective action for societal good.
“I overcame many challenges in my football career to become who I am today. In the same way, I believe Africa can overcome the challenge of eradicating polio and achieve a polio-free future. If I could make it, I know Africa can too. We must keep pushing to eliminate this last percentage of the disease so that all children can grow up healthy,” said Michael Essien.
Naby Keïta stressed the importance of vaccination:
“Polio is an illness that we simply need to take seriously. People need to go for vaccinations and take their children. Vaccination is what will save us.”
Bruno Ecuele Manga urged political and community leaders to work together:
“My message to African leaders is to stand together, to be united, because we need to defeat polio. We need to defeat it because we need Africa’s youth. Young people are our future.”
The campaign also includes direct calls to action from other footballers.
Polio eradication in Africa faces challenges such as funding gaps, conflict, vaccine hesitancy, and strained health systems, making this final stage of elimination the most difficult.
Despite this, progress continues: between January and October 2025, 15 countries reached nearly 200 million children with polio vaccines, demonstrating the power of coordinated, cross-border campaigns in protecting vulnerable populations.
The “Kick Out Polio” campaign highlights the growing role of sport philanthropy, where athletes use their visibility and influence to advance social causes.
By combining the cultural power of football with public health messaging, the initiative engages millions of fans, encourages communities to act, and reinforces the importance of vaccinations for the continent’s future.
Running throughout AFCON 2025, the campaign sends a clear message: polio eradication is achievable, but it requires the collective effort of governments, communities, and families.
With renewed commitment, African footballers are proving that sport can be a force for health, education, and social change, inspiring hope for a polio-free Africa.
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