The second phase of the polio vaccination campaign was launched this Wednesday, October 11, 2023 in Butembo, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This campaign aims to protect children aged 0 to 59 months from this potentially dangerous disease. According to the Expanded Immunization Program (EPI), more than 900,000 children are expected for this phase of the campaign.
The PEV, which reports to the Congolese Ministry of Health, is responsible for implementing this vaccination program. It is a routine activity to combat different diseases through vaccination from birth. Butembo, with a population of nearly 5 million inhabitants, is therefore an important step in this campaign.
The city’s mayor, Mowa Baeki Telly Roger, stressed the importance of this vaccination to prevent poliomyelitis, a contagious and dangerous disease for children. He called on parents to welcome the vaccination teams who go from door to door to ensure maximum coverage.
The vaccination campaign will extend over three days, from Thursday October 12 to Saturday October 14, with a day or two of recovery for children who could not be vaccinated during this period. The goal is to reach as many children as possible to strengthen herd immunity against polio.
This vaccination initiative in the Democratic Republic of Congo is an important preventative measure to combat the spread of polio and protect the health of children. By mobilizing parents and ensuring maximum coverage, it is possible to significantly reduce the risk of this debilitating disease.
The EPI and local authorities will continue to carry out regular vaccination campaigns to protect the population against other potentially fatal diseases. Vaccination remains one of the most effective means of disease prevention and plays a crucial role in public health.
In conclusion, the polio vaccination campaign in Butembo, Democratic Republic of Congo, is an important step in the fight against this childhood disease. By raising awareness among parents and ensuring maximum coverage, it is possible to protect the health of children and prevent the spread of this disease. Vaccination remains an essential pillar of public health and must continue to be promoted and supported to ensure safe and healthy lives for children.