Mbanza-Ngungu, October 31, 2024 (Fatshimetrie) – The introduction of the malaria vaccine into the routine immunization program in the Democratic Republic of Congo marks a decisive turning point in the fight against malaria, a devastating disease that has been plaguing the country for too long. This initiative, launched during an official ceremony in Mbanza-Ngungu, Kongo Central, is of paramount importance for public health and the well-being of Congolese communities, particularly children and the most vulnerable populations.
Dr. Romain Muboyayi Tshikaya, Chief of Staff of the National Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, stressed the importance of this health breakthrough. He recalled that the DRC is one of the countries most affected by malaria in the world, with alarming figures of deaths among children under 5 years of age. Despite the efforts made so far, including the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and indoor spraying, the situation remains worrying.
The introduction of this malaria vaccine, recommended by the WHO for children aged 6 to 23 months, is a major step forward in the strategy to combat malaria in the DRC. It is part of a global context where more and more African countries are adopting this vaccine in their routine vaccination program. The DRC thus joins the ranks of nations committed to the fight against this insidious disease, demonstrating a strong political will and an adequate response to the needs of its population.
The Vice-Governor of the Kongo Central province, Prosper Ntela, called for the mobilization of all political and administrative authorities to ensure the success of this initiative. He welcomed the commitment of the Head of State and his partners in promoting public health in the DRC.
Mr. Trad Hatton, representative of the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) in the DRC, stressed the importance of integrating this vaccine into the routine immunization program. He highlighted the efforts made to make this vaccine accessible to all provinces of the country, paying tribute to the international partners who support this approach.
In conclusion, the introduction of the malaria vaccine into the routine immunization program in the DRC marks a significant step forward in the fight against malaria. This promising initiative offers renewed hope for the most vulnerable populations and is an effective response to a major public health challenge. By joining forces, the Congolese authorities and their international partners can transform this historic moment into a decisive step towards the eradication of malaria in the DRC.