Title: The Congolese government intensifies its efforts for the vaccination and the eradication of poliomyelitis in the DRC
Introduction :
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is taking another step towards vaccination and the eradication of poliomyelitis. Under the leadership of President Félix Tshisekedi, steps have been taken to increase vaccination coverage and combat the spread of this devastating disease. In a recent forum, the President welcomed the progress made, while highlighting the remaining challenges. This article will examine the efforts of the Congolese government in the fight against poliomyelitis and the measures taken to achieve the objectives set.
Significant advances in vaccination:
Thanks to the commitment of the Congolese government, significant progress has been made in the financing and acquisition of poliomyelitis vaccines. Since the first forum in 2019, the government has increased its funding and tripled the amount allocated for the purchase of vaccines, reaching $18.2 million in 2022. This has made it possible to provide vaccines to all Congolese children. However, despite this progress, challenges persist.
Challenges to overcome:
President Tshisekedi acknowledges the challenges the country faces in the fight against polio. Immunization coverage remains below 50% in most of the country, many children do not have access to vaccines, and persistent disease outbreaks, including vaccine-derived poliomyelitis, continue to cripple hundreds of children. Faced with these challenges, the Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Prevention has been tasked with proposing a roadmap for high-impact interventions to overcome these obstacles.
Objectives set and measures taken:
The Congolese government has set ambitious goals, including the eradication of vaccine-derived poliomyelitis by the end of 2024 and the increase in total health coverage to 75% by 2027. To achieve these goals, the President Tshisekedi stressed the importance of maintaining vaccination as a national priority. He asked the Minister of Finance to continue to ensure regular funding for immunization each year.
Conclusion :
The DRC government shows a strong commitment to the fight against poliomyelitis and the promotion of vaccination. Progress in vaccine financing and procurement is encouraging, but significant challenges remain. President Tshisekedi calls for more efforts to increase vaccination coverage and eradicate poliomyelitis. With a clear roadmap and steady funding, the Congolese government is committed to achieving these important public health goals for the country