News: Opening of the meeting of the African regional certification commission for the eradication of poliomyelitis in Kinshasa
This Tuesday, July 4 marks the start of the 31st meeting of the African Regional Certification Commission (CRCA) for the eradication of poliomyelitis in Kinshasa. The event, which will last until July 7, 2023, aims to take stock of the progress made and the continuing challenges in the fight against polio in Africa, with a focus on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). ).
The DRC faces major challenges in its fight against polio. Since 2017, the country has faced persistent outbreaks and recorded more than 50% of polio cases in the African region, which is concerning. The Covid-19 pandemic and insecurity in parts of the country have also complicated prevention and vaccination efforts.
Despite these difficulties, the DRC has undertaken to cover a large part of the financing for the purchase of vaccines, which represents an example to follow for the countries of the region. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners will continue to support the Ministry of Health in its efforts to eradicate polio in the DRC and improve the health of the population.
During this four-day meeting, participants will update the action plan of the Regional Commission for Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication in Africa (RCCA). Representatives from six invited countries, including Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, Madagascar and Mozambique, will join the DRC delegations to discuss strategies and steps to be taken to permanently eliminate polio from the region.
This meeting comes after the 3rd National Forum on Immunization and Polio Eradication in the DRC, which was held in Kinshasa at the end of June. The purpose of this forum was to maintain pressure on the government and partners to ensure that all children in the country are vaccinated against polio.
In conclusion, the meeting of the African Regional Certification Commission for the eradication of poliomyelitis in Kinshasa is a crucial step in the fight against this devastating disease in Africa. Despite the persistent challenges, the DRC is showing its commitment by providing part of the necessary funding. With the support of WHO and other partners, it is hoped that polio can be eradicated from the region, for the well-being of the people of Africa.