Fatshimetry
The Democratic Republic of Congo has just launched a vast vaccination campaign against poliomyelitis in the North Ubangi province. This initiative, symbolically launched in the Lembo health area, aims to protect no less than 369,285 children aged 0 to 59 months against this dreaded disease. Health authorities in the region implemented this campaign in response to recent outbreaks of circulating variant poliovirus type 2, imported from Angola and the Central African Republic.
Dr. Jerry Kibanza Kyungu, chief medical officer of the provincial health division in North Ubangi, stressed the importance of this second phase of polio vaccination, which will take place from June 13 to 15 throughout the province. Apart from polio vaccination, this campaign also includes vitamin A supplementation and administration of Albendazole to strengthen children’s health.
Indeed, vitamin A is essential to strengthen the immune system of children aged 6 to 59 months, while Albendazole helps fight intestinal parasites in children aged 12 to 59 months. In total, 330,307 children will benefit from vitamin A supplementation, and 291,129 will receive Albendazole for optimal protection.
North Ubangi is one of ten provinces affected by epidemics of circulating type 2 variant poliovirus, highlighting the crucial importance of this vaccination campaign. Through this initiative, health authorities hope to stem the spread of polio and protect the health of young people.
In conclusion, this vaccination campaign against poliomyelitis in North Ubangi represents a significant step in the fight against this infectious disease. By protecting nearly 370,000 children, health authorities are demonstrating their commitment to public health and the protection of future generations.