The recent polio vaccination campaign in Kwilu province has been hailed as a resounding success, with over 1,300,000 children under the age of 5 benefiting from this crucial life-saving protection. Running from March 31 to April 3, the initiative surpassed expectations by achieving an impressive coverage rate of 102%. Dr. Steve Matoma, the medical coordinator of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in Kwilu, expressed his satisfaction with the outstanding results attained, emphasizing the pivotal role played by parents and stakeholders in ensuring the campaign’s success. Dr. Matoma commended the dedication and contributions of all involved, underscoring that every health zone in Kwilu was effectively reached to guarantee high-quality vaccination for all children within the province.
Despite facing challenges such as adverse weather conditions and poor road infrastructure, the vaccination teams displayed unwavering determination, tirelessly going door-to-door to ensure every child received the necessary immunization. The significance of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases, particularly poliomyelitis, was underscored by this campaign, emphasizing its pivotal role in safeguarding vulnerable populations, especially young children.
The triumph of the polio vaccination drive in Kwilu underscores the dedication and commitment of public health professionals in the region and highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between health authorities, professionals, parents, and the community at large in ensuring the health and well-being of children. For more details on this successful vaccination campaign, please visit the Radio Okapi article.