**Polio vaccination campaign in the DRC: A crucial issue for children’s health**
The fight against polio remains a major concern for health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Indeed, the province of Tshopo recently launched a vaccination campaign to protect children from this devastating disease. The vice-governor of the province, Didier Lomoyo Iteku, took the initiative to inaugurate this campaign on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, thus demonstrating the commitment of local authorities to public health.
The alarming statistics of polio cases recorded in the region underline the urgency of concerted action to stem the spread of the virus. This is evidenced by the speech by Dr. Mukuta Juvénal of WHO Kisangani, who emphasizes the need for optimal vaccination coverage to protect the population. The 842,426 children in Tshopo province are thus called upon to benefit from this vaccination campaign, an essential measure to prevent the serious consequences of polio on the health of the youngest.
The complexity of the situation, with the presence of three types of virus varying in the region, illustrates the challenges posed by polio in the DRC. Technical and financial partners emphasize the importance of mobilizing parents to ensure the success of the campaign. They emphasize the crucial role of local actors, health professionals and communities in raising awareness and organizing this vast vaccination operation.
The ongoing polio vaccination campaign in Tshopo province represents the third phase of a series of actions undertaken to eradicate the disease. Despite the progress made, the persistence of polio cases reflects the obstacles encountered on the ground, particularly due to the opposition of certain groups to vaccination. This situation calls for increased mobilization and increased awareness to ensure the protection of all children against polio.
In conclusion, the polio vaccination campaign in the DRC is a crucial issue for the health and well-being of children in the Tshopo province. The commitment of the authorities, international partners and local stakeholders is essential to ensure the success of this initiative and to put an end to the threat that polio represents for the Congolese population.
Gabriel Makabu, for Fatshimetrie