**BCG vaccine shortage in Ituri province**
The province of Ituri is currently facing a critical situation: the shortage of BCG vaccine intended for children under 5 years old. This worrying situation has a direct impact on the health of infants, endangering the prevention of tuberculosis, a potentially fatal disease if untreated.
The images are striking: endless lines of women, some with their babies in their arms, waiting for hours in front of health centers without even the assurance of being able to have their children vaccinated. The dismay and worry can be seen on their faces, confronted with a reality that highlights the challenges of the health system in the region.
The poignant testimonies of these mothers who get up at dawn, sometimes in difficult conditions, to go in the hope of protecting their children against tuberculosis, reveal a palpable distress. However, despite their efforts and determination, many leave empty-handed, sent home due to a lack of available vaccine doses.
The lack of coordination and monitoring in the distribution of BCG vaccines appears to be at the origin of this crisis. Health structures, whether public or private, are struggling to obtain the doses necessary to meet the growing demand of the population. The consequences of this shortage are alarming, because each unvaccinated child represents a potential risk for the spread of the disease.
It is urgent that health authorities intervene to resolve this crisis and guarantee universal access to essential vaccines. Equitable and transparent distribution of BCG vaccine doses is essential to protect the health of children and prevent the spread of tuberculosis in the Ituri region.
Faced with this emergency situation, it is imperative that concrete and immediate measures are taken to ensure the availability and accessibility of vaccines. Children’s health cannot be put at risk due to logistical or supply issues. The population of Ituri deserves a rapid and effective response from the authorities to guarantee the health security of all.
In conclusion, the shortage of BCG vaccine in Ituri province is a serious alert which requires collective mobilization and concrete actions to protect the health of children and prevent the risks of spreading tuberculosis. The urgency of the situation demands immediate intervention to address this crisis and ensure equitable access to vaccines for all children in the region.