Vaccination against polio: a priority for the DRC
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently launched a massive polio vaccination campaign, aimed at protecting more than 23 million children under the age of 5. This initiative, which will take place in two phases, aims to eradicate the disease throughout the national territory.
The first phase of the vaccination campaign, which took place from July 27 to 29, targeted the provinces of North and South Ubangi, Mongala, Equateur, Tshuapa, Kasai, Kwilu, Kasai Central, Kongo Central and Kinshasa. The second phase, scheduled for August 10 to 12, will concern the other provinces of the country.
To reach all children, the Congolese government has implemented several strategies, including door-to-door. This approach makes it possible to get closer to the communities and ensure better vaccination coverage.
Vaccination against polio is all the more important in the DRC, as the country has been dealing with an epidemic of wild poliovirus since May 2017. Since that date, more than 800 cases of polio have been recorded, resulting in the paralysis of many children.
Polio is a contagious viral disease that mainly affects children and often leads to irreversible paralysis. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of the disease and completely eliminate the virus.
This new vaccination campaign bears witness to the sustained efforts of the Congolese government, the population and international partners in the fight against polio. By eliminating this devastating disease, the DRC is contributing to the health and well-being of its children, as well as promoting a better quality of life for all of its population