The recent polio vaccination campaign in Ituri was a great success, reaching almost all children aged zero to five, including in the most insecure areas. This result is the result of a concerted effort by the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in Ituri, which was able to ensure extensive coverage despite the security challenges in the region.
The figures speak for themselves: nearly 1.4 million children were targeted by this vaccination campaign, aimed at protecting the young population against polio, a devastating disease. The provincial head of the EPI, Alain Aveba, highlighted the commitment of the teams of vaccinators, deployed in the field even in the most difficult to access areas, such as Biakato, Mbidjo, Yedi, Tchabi, Djugu, Mambasa and Irumu.
This success would not have been possible without the cooperation of parents, who responded favorably to the call to vaccinate their children. The trust placed in medical teams, combined with the absence of resistance linked to cultural or religious beliefs, played a decisive role in the success of the campaign.
In addition, the recovery of children for the BCG vaccine against tuberculosis, previously out of stock, is also underway throughout the region. Public health structures are mobilized to ensure the vaccination of newborns and reduce the risks associated with this infectious disease.
The availability of the BCG vaccine for a period of three months is a boon for parents who have not yet vaccinated their children. It is crucial to take advantage of this window of time to protect the little ones against tuberculosis, a disease that can cause serious consequences, particularly in adults.
In conclusion, this vaccination campaign in Ituri shows that public health can be preserved, even in complex and difficult contexts. Thanks to the mobilization of health authorities, teams on the ground and the population, children in the region have been able to benefit from essential protection against formidable diseases. This success story illustrates the importance of vaccination in preventing disease and promoting health for all.