The second phase of the polio vaccination campaign was launched this Wednesday, October 11, 2023 in Butembo, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This phase aims to immunize nearly 924,000 children aged 0 to 59 months in the Butembo Provincial Health Division. This campaign is led by the Congolese government’s Expanded Vaccination Program (EPI), which is responsible for vaccinating children and pregnant women in order to protect them against epidemic diseases from an early age.
The EPI is an essential program to combat many diseases through vaccination, from birth to the age of 5. Poliomyelitis is a dangerous disease for children and can cripple them for life. This is why it is essential to strengthen collective immunity and ensure protection against this disease from an early age.
In the Provincial Health Division of Butembo Branch, the population reaches nearly 4.9 million inhabitants, with a target of 924,824 children to be vaccinated during this phase of the campaign. The city’s mayor, Mowa Baeki Telly Roger, called on parents to receive teams of vaccinators who will go from door to door to administer vaccines. He stressed the importance of this campaign to prevent the spread of polio and protect the health of children.
The polio vaccination campaign will take place over a period of three days, from Thursday October 12 to Saturday October 14, 2023. Additional days will be provided for children who could not be vaccinated during this period. This initiative aims to ensure maximum coverage and eliminate the polio virus in the region.
It is essential to emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing diseases and protecting the health of children. Through programs like EPI, governments can help reduce the prevalence of infectious diseases and ensure a healthier future for future generations. It is therefore essential that parents support these initiatives by welcoming the teams of vaccinators and ensuring the protection of their children against diseases preventable by vaccination.
In conclusion, the second phase of the polio vaccination campaign in Butembo is a crucial step in the fight against this disease. By protecting children from a young age, we can help eliminate polio and build a healthier future for all. Vaccination is a valuable tool to prevent disease and ensure the health and well-being of our communities.