Fatshimetrie, October 10, 2024: A new milestone has been reached in the fight against polio in Boma, Democratic Republic of Congo, with the launch of the third vaccination campaign. This vital event was marked by a significant call for women’s responsibility in protecting children’s health.
During the launch of the campaign, Fify Mwendo Ngoma, Mayor of the commune of Kabondo, highlighted the crucial role of women in vaccinating children. She highlighted the need for women to be active and committed to ensuring the health of the youngest. Indeed, in the event of non-vaccination of children, women find themselves on the front line to take care of the potential consequences on the health of sick children.
A symbolic moment marked the start of the campaign, as the Mayor administered the OPV2 vaccine to several children aged 0 to 5 years old residing in the Saïco district of Boma. This action, carried out in partnership with the chief physician of the expanded immunization program and the chief physician of the health zone, helped raise awareness among the local population about the importance of vaccination.
Dr Jean la Grâce Kongodie, WHO consultant, highlighted the effectiveness of the door-to-door strategy used during this campaign. In addition to allowing the vaccination of children, this approach offers the possibility of conducting home surveillance to identify other health problems within the community. He also reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting the Congolese government in its efforts to improve the health of the population.
This third polio vaccination campaign in Boma illustrates the determination and mobilization of local and international actors to fight this devastating disease. It highlights the importance of raising awareness among the population and working closely with health authorities to achieve the common goal of polio eradication.
In conclusion, this initiative marks a significant step forward in the fight against polio in Boma and underlines the importance of cooperation between different stakeholders to ensure the health and well-being of children in the region.