Trending Narrative Alerts
June 04, 2025
Social media users oppose vaccination requirements to travel to Saudi Arabia
An Indonesian designer with over 180,000 social media followers recently posted a complaint about the vaccination requirements for performing the Islamic pilgrimage in Mecca. The Saudi government requires that all travelers from countries with poliovirus circulation, including Indonesia, provide proof of polio vaccination. The post falsely claims that COVID-19 vaccinations are also required to perform Umrah. Some posts call vaccines “fake” and “deadly,” while others suggest that vaccines only exist to make money. One commenter proposes going through Malaysia to bypass vaccination requirements.
Geography: EAPR: Indonesia
Themes: Necessity, Safety and side effects
Risk Assessment: Low
June 04, 2025
Bill Gates’ polio eradication efforts in Nigeria face online criticism
On June 3, Bill Gates was honored by the Nigerian government for his charitable work in the country, including his foundation’s efforts to eradicate polio. Although many responses to the news were positive, some commenters argued that vaccines funded by the Gates Foundation are dangerous. Several posts repeated the conspiracy theory that vaccines are part of a depopulation plot, while others claim that polio didn’t exist until vaccines were introduced.
Geography: MENA: Somalia; WCAR: Nigeria
Themes: Conspiracy theories, Safety and side effects
Risk Assessment: Medium
June 04, 2025
Kenya vaccine shortage leads some to claim unvaccinated children are “lucky”
Parents in Kenya continue to post online about their struggles to get their children vaccinated amid the ongoing vaccine shortage. In response to one such post, some commenters claim that polio vaccines are unnecessary and “control our DNA,” while others argue that vaccines are not necessary and that “a child cannot die from missing a vaccine.” Several replies state that the baby is “lucky” not to be vaccinated.
Geography: WCAR: Kenya
Themes: Conspiracy theories, Necessity, Safety and side effects
Risk Assessment: Medium
Resources
Alert Categories
Alerts are categorized as high, medium, and low risk.
High risk
Narratives with widespread circulation across communities or countries, high engagement, exponential velocity, and a high potential to impact vaccination efforts.
Medium risk
Narratives circulating in priority countries that may impact vaccination decisions. Potential for further spread due to the tactics used or because of predicted velocity. May highlight legitimate questions and concerns, not just false claims.
Low risk
Narratives that are limited in reach, aren't impacting priority communities, or lack the qualities necessary for future spread. Helpful to know because these narratives may indicate information gaps, confusion, or concerns.
Polio Digital Messaging Guide: A Strategic Tool for Digital Engagement and SBC
A practical resource that bridges digital best practices with field-based health communication to equip teams with the knowledge and tools needed to protect children from polio and foster trust in vaccination programs.
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Top line Data
This charts below highlights data specific to polio outbreak countries over the past seven days, and is updated daily. Analysis includes data from the latest list of outbreak countries according to GPEI.
The charts below highlight data specific to polio endemic countries (Pakistan and Afghanistan) over the past seven days, and is updated daily.