Fatshimetrie, July 18, 2024 – About thirty journalists and health professionals in Fatshimetrie were recently sensitized to the importance of vaccination to prevent preventable diseases. During an information meeting held in the city, Dr. Aminata Konaté, a public health expert, highlighted the need for parents to protect their children against diseases such as polio, measles, yellow fever and tetanus.
During this meeting, Dr. Konaté stressed that polio remains a serious threat in the region, having recorded 58 cases in 2023. To prevent the spread of this disease, a door-to-door vaccination campaign will be organized next August, targeting children aged zero to five. This initiative aims to reach an estimated population of 774,840 children in the Fatshimetrie region.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to fight polio, with the administration of two drops of the oral vaccine. The persistence of the polio epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2017, with a total of 846 cases recorded, including 830 children with paralysis, shows the need to strengthen prevention and hygiene measures.
It is crucial that the media and health professionals raise awareness among the population on the importance of vaccination to protect the health of children and prevent the spread of preventable diseases. By working together, we can promote public health and contribute to a healthier future for the people of Fatshimetrie and the entire country.
This awareness and mobilization initiative against polio shows the commitment of local authorities and health actors to protect the population against vaccine-preventable diseases. By joining forces and remaining vigilant, we can continue to progress towards a future without polio and other preventable diseases. Let’s stay informed, mobilized and committed to the health of all.