Title: Kinshasa launches a vast vaccination campaign against poliomyelitis
Introduction :
The Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently began the second phase of its polio vaccination campaign. This initiative aims to protect more than 2.5 million children under the age of 5 in the capital, Kinshasa. The goal is to eradicate this preventable disease through vaccination. In this article, we will explore the details of this campaign and the importance of vaccination in the fight against polio.
The context of the vaccination campaign:
According to the latest data, the DRC is the African country most affected by poliomyelitis, with more than 800 reported cases of poliovirus types 1 and 2. This disease, commonly called “buka buka” locally, is highly contagious and can lead to sudden paralysis of one or more limbs in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children. However, significant progress has been made through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, reducing cases of wild poliovirus by 99%.
The importance of vaccination:
Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect children against polio and other preventable diseases. In addition to preventing the spread of the disease, it also helps ensure a better future for children by protecting them from potentially serious complications. Dr Joao Luvunga, Senior Coordinator of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, emphasizes that immunization is crucial to protect our children and avoid preventable diseases.
The second phase of the vaccination campaign:
This second phase of the vaccination campaign takes place from September 28 to 30 and will cover all 24 communes of Kinshasa. Medical teams from the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) are mobilizing to administer the polio vaccine to more than 2.5 million children in the Congolese capital. This campaign aims to achieve maximum vaccination coverage in order to ensure collective protection against the disease.
Conclusion :
The polio vaccination campaign in Kinshasa is an essential step in the fight against this devastating disease. By vaccinating more than 2.5 million children, DRC health authorities are working to eradicate polio and protect future generations. However, it is important to emphasize that vaccination should not be limited to this campaign, but must be continued regularly to maintain herd immunity and prevent any resurgence of the disease.