Want to work where you can make a difference? Learn how IQVIA is using its data, analytics and expertise to eliminate polio in Africa.

If you’re looking for a career where you can make a meaningful impact on global health, IQVIA is the place to be. Every day, our teams use data, technology and public health expertise to solve some of the world’s toughest healthcare challenges. One powerful example of our work is our role in the fight to eradicate polio in Africa. By supporting surveillance efforts, improving vaccination campaigns and strengthening health systems, IQVIA is playing a key role in ensuring a polio-free future.

Polio eradication: a global effort with a local impact

Polio remains a critical public health concern, both globally and in Africa. While the continent was declared free of wild poliovirus in 2020, outbreaks of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 continue to pose challenges. Thanks to global eradication initiatives and modern disease surveillance techniques, the number of polio cases in Africa has dropped from 30,000 in 1980 to fewer than 400 today. However, keeping cases at bay requires constant vigilance, particularly in areas with low immunization rates.

How is IQVIA making a difference?

To that end, IQVIA’s public health teams are actively involved in on-the-ground efforts. Nelia Langa, an IQVIA polio consultant and field epidemiologist stationed in Rwanda, describes her work in an IQVIA podcast:

“On a typical day, I analyze polio surveillance data, prioritize health facilities based on risk levels and conduct site visits. At high-priority sites, I provide technical support, train healthcare workers and ensure timely sample collection for lab testing. This helps us identify poliovirus cases and implement swift interventions like vaccination campaigns.”

IQVIA Healthcare-grade AI™ plays a role in polio eradication, too. Our AI-driven modeling and advanced analytics allow researchers to forecast polio outbreaks, helping public health teams plan vaccination campaigns more effectively. Nelia’s role involves collaborating with governments and global health partners on the insights these models uncover to coordinate outbreak response efforts.

Empowering communities to detect and prevent polio

Surveillance is at the heart of polio eradication, and communities play a crucial role in early detection. IQVIA supports community-based surveillance programs, equipping local health workers with training, education materials and case definitions to identify suspected polio cases.

“Communities are essential in detecting cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), the gold standard for identifying polio,” explains Nelia. “When a suspected case is found, samples are sent to accredited labs to confirm whether poliovirus is present. This enables a rapid response to contain outbreaks before they spread.”

In addition to detection, community health workers lead house-to-house vaccination campaigns, ensuring that children in hard-to-reach areas receive the polio vaccine. Their role in mobilizing trust and participation is vital to the success of immunization efforts.

Join IQVIA and make a difference

Polio eradication is just one example of how IQVIA is using data, technology and expertise to improve public health worldwide. Our teams work across 100+ countries to tackle global health challenges, from disease surveillance to health system strengthening.

If you’re passionate about leveraging science and technology to transform healthcare, IQVIA is the place for you.

1. Be part of the mission. Explore career opportunities at IQVIA today.