Title: Vaccination and eradication of poliomyelitis in the DRC: government efforts must continue
Introduction :
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces significant challenges in terms of vaccination and eradication of poliomyelitis. Despite the significant progress noted during the recent forum on vaccination, President Félix Tshisekedi insists on the need to continue efforts to achieve the objectives set. This article highlights the actions taken by the Congolese government and the persistent challenges in the fight against poliomyelitis.
Immunization financing:
The Congolese government, aware of the importance of vaccination, has increased its investments in this area. Since the first forum in 2019, the budget allocated to the purchase of vaccines has been tripled, reaching $18.2 million in 2022. This has made it possible to acquire vaccines for all Congolese children, representing a significant advance in the vaccination coverage.
Persistent challenges:
Despite these advances, challenges remain in the fight against poliomyelitis in the DRC. The vaccination coverage rate remains below 50% in most regions of the country, with a significant number of children who do not benefit from vaccination. In addition, the presence of disease outbreaks, including vaccine-derived poliomyelitis, continues to paralyze hundreds of children.
The roadmap for high-impact interventions:
Faced with these challenges, President Tshisekedi asked the Minister of Public Health to propose a roadmap for high-impact interventions. This roadmap should address persistent challenges and achieve set goals, including the eradication of vaccine-derived poliomyelitis by the end of 2024, as well as increasing total health coverage to 75% by 2027.
The importance of continuity of funding:
President Tshisekedi stressed that vaccination remains a priority for the Congolese government. He therefore instructed the Minister of Finance to continue to ensure full and regular funding for immunization each year, within the required timeframe. This will ensure the availability of the necessary resources to carry out vaccination campaigns and fight poliomyelitis effectively.
Conclusion :
The fight against poliomyelitis in the DRC requires continuous efforts from the Congolese government. Despite the progress already made, significant challenges persist, particularly in terms of vaccination coverage and the spread of vaccine-derived poliomyelitis. By ensuring adequate funding and implementing high-impact interventions, the DRC can move towards the complete eradication of poliomyelitis and ensure better health for its citizens