Advances in polio vaccination in Kalemie
In the Kalemie health zone, located in the Tanganyika region, two confirmed cases of polio and 47 cases of acute flaccid paralysis have been recorded since the start of the year. These figures, communicated by Dr Yvan Mwamba, interim chief medical officer of the health zone, demonstrate the efforts made in the fight against this devastating disease.
An innovative strategy has been put in place to guarantee optimal vaccination coverage. Called the “owl strategy”, this consists of sending vaccinators to households at night, under the supervision of parents. This approach makes it possible to reach children who might be reluctant to be vaccinated in the presence of their father. Vaccinators use discretion and tact to ensure that all children receive their vaccines.
This owl strategy is in addition to other initiatives to combat polio, such as routine vaccination and the involvement of indigenous people as community relays. Groups that were initially reluctant accept vaccination more easily when a community relay from their own group is involved. In addition, community relays use information sheets to track unvaccinated children and direct them to health centers so that they can receive their vaccines.
These different approaches have borne fruit, contributing to a significant drop in polio cases in the Kalemie health zone. However, Dr Yvan Mwamba highlights the need for adequate planning of vaccination activities and calls on the Congolese state to financially support health zones in these initiatives.
Despite the progress made, challenges remain. Some groups, particularly those influenced by restrictive religious beliefs, may resist vaccination. Dr Yvan Mwamba mentions sects such as Watch Taywer and Red Kimbanguism as examples of groups resistant to vaccination.
The Kalemie health zone includes 27 health areas, including 8 in the town of Kalemie and 19 in the surrounding area. Thanks to the efforts made and innovative strategies put in place, polio vaccination is progressing positively, giving hope for the elimination of this devastating disease in the Tanganyika region. Lessons learned from this experience could also benefit other regions facing similar challenges in the fight against polio.