Title: Vaccination against poliomyelitis: the DRC launches the second phase of its campaign in 15 provinces
Introduction :
The Expanded Immunization Program (EPI) recently announced the launch of the second phase of the polio vaccination campaign in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This initiative aims to fight against the type 1 and 2 polio epidemic that has been raging in the country since May 2017. In this article, we offer you an overview of the next steps of this vaccination campaign and the importance of this program. to eradicate polio in the DRC.
The context :
Since May 2017, the DRC has been facing a polio epidemic mainly affecting children under 5 years old. According to the latest EPI data, the country has recorded 846 confirmed cases of poliomyelitis, of which 830 resulted in paralysis in children. Faced with this alarming situation, the Congolese government has pledged to act quickly to stem the spread of the polio virus.
The first phase of the vaccination campaign:
The first phase of the vaccination campaign, which took place from July 27 to 29, vaccinated more than 5 million children in 11 provinces of the DRC. The provinces concerned were notably North and South Ubangi, Mongala, Equateur, Tshuapa, Kasai, Kwilu, Kasai Central, Kongo Central and Kinshasa. This first phase was a success and demonstrated the Congolese government’s desire to fight polio.
The second phase of the campaign:
The second phase of the vaccination campaign will start from August 10 to 12 and will target the provinces of Kasaï central, Kasaï oriental, Haut Uélé, Bas Uélé, Sud-Kivu, Nord-Kivu, Ituri, Sankuru, Tshopo, Maniema, Lomami, Haut Lomami, Tanganyika and Lualaba. Vaccinators will go door to door to administer the vaccine to all children under 5 years of age.
The importance of vaccination:
Poliomyelitis is a contagious viral disease that affects the nervous system of children and can lead to permanent paralysis. Vaccination is essential to prevent the spread of polio and to protect the population, especially vulnerable children. The EPI stresses that this large-scale vaccination campaign is part of the global initiative to eradicate polio in the country.
Conclusion :
The DRC is stepping up its efforts to fight the poliomyelitis epidemic that has hit the country since 2017. The second phase of the vaccination campaign shows the commitment of the Congolese government and the EPI to protect the health of children and to eradicate polio by ground floor. It is essential that all actors in society come together to support this initiative and ensure a polio-free future for future generations