The fight against polio remains a major challenge in many countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). While the country has not recorded a case of wild poliovirus since 2015, the presence of the vaccine-derived virus continues to be a challenge. Despite the progress made, the DRC has exceeded the threshold of a thousand cases of derived poliovirus between 2022 and 2023, according to health sources.
On October 24, on the occasion of World Polio Day, the Rotary Club Kinshasa held a press briefing to take stock of the situation in the DRC. Statistics show a 99% drop in the number of polio cases worldwide, but two variants of the virus are still circulating in the country: type 2 poliovirus since 2017 and type 1 poliovirus since 2022.
Unfortunately, the figures remain worrying. Between 2017 and today, the DRC has recorded at least 960 cases of children paralyzed by the derived poliovirus. In 2022, the country recorded 317 cases of poliovirus type 2, while in 2023, so far, 108 cases have been recorded. For poliovirus type 1, 143 cases were reported in 2022 and 76 cases in 2023.
Faced with this situation, a strategic plan was put in place to fight against poliomyelitis in the DRC. Speakers at the press briefing highlighted the importance of strengthening routine vaccination, improving the response to epidemics and strengthening surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases. COUP coordinator Elisabeth Mukamba also called for the mobilization of the Congolese community and the media to support polio eradication efforts.
The Congolese government is playing a vital role in this fight, purchasing vaccines and working in collaboration with partners such as UNICEF and GPEI. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative, led by national governments and international partners, also supports the DRC’s efforts. Nearly 600 consultants have been deployed to the field and millions of dollars have been mobilized to ensure the success of vaccination operations across the country.
Eradicating polio in the DRC by 2024 remains a major challenge, but with the mobilization of all stakeholders, it is possible to overcome this disease and protect the Congolese population. Raising awareness about vaccination and strengthening preventive measures are essential to achieving this goal. The DRC is on track to eradicate polio, but continued vigilance and commitment are needed to achieve this long-awaited victory.
References :
– [Link 1](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/10/27/victor-wembanyama-fait-ses-debuts-en-nba-et-promet-un-avenir-brillant-malgre-la- defeat-of-the-spurs/)
– [Link 2](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/10/27/les-femmes-protestantes-de-la-rdc-celebrent-their-commitment-for-positive-change-during-la-journee-nationale-de-la -federation-of-protestant-women-of-butembo/)
– [Link 3](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/10/27/lewiston-maine-fusillades-meurtrieres-ravagent-la-ville-un-tireur-en-fuite/)
– [Link 4](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/10/27/le-projet-manono-lithium-davz-minerals-en-rd-congo-une-situation-complexe-necessitant-des- fair-negotiations-to-advance/)
– [Link 5](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/10/27/lelan-de-solidarite-sans-precedent-depuis-bagdad-pour-soutenir-gaza-toute-lhistoire-dune-mobilisation- extraordinary/)
– [Link 6](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/10/27/la-senatrice-carole-agito-mobilise-la-population-pour-larrivee-histoire-du-premier-ministre-de- the-drc-in-buta-marking-a-new-political-era-in-bas-uele/)
– [Link 7](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/10/27/vers-un-nouveau-paradigme-de-resolution-du-conflit-en-ukraine-la-slovakie-met-fin- has-its-delivery-of-arms/)
– [Link 8](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/10/27/les-defis-des-cartes-electorales-en-rdc-obstacles-a-un-processus-democratique-transparent/)
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– [Link 10](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/10/27/larrastration-spectaculaire-dun-bandit-redoutable-met-en-lumiere-lengagement-des-forces-de-securite-dans- the-fight-against-crime/)