At the recent forum held in Kinshasa to discuss improving vaccination of zero-dose and under-vaccinated children in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a series of key recommendations were made. One of the key actions recommended to strengthen vaccination of targeted children is the updating of the timeline of key activities. Pablito Nasaka, Head of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Support Division, stressed the importance of this update in order to propose an effective reprogramming of activities to achieve this vital objective.
Forum participants also recommended that zone chief physicians rationalize resources in provinces implementing multiple simultaneous approaches, such as the Team Accelerator Fund (FAE) and the special strategy to prevent duplication. In addition, EPI directors were advised to accelerate the establishment of accountability frameworks at all levels, involving the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare and partners.
The Director General of the EPI, Audry Mulumba, on behalf of the Secretary General for Public Health, closed this forum by highlighting the importance of frank and constructive discussions between field actors. He stressed the need to improve vaccination coverage in the DRC, a major challenge to be met.
This forum, focused on experience and evaluation of results, is part of the improvement of the implementation on the ground of the Equity Accelerator Fund (FAE) approach in 11 Congolese provinces. With substantial funding, this event made it possible to set concrete objectives and highlight the obstacles to be overcome to achieve a satisfactory vaccination rate.
In conclusion, this forum highlighted the importance of the commitment of field actors, from area chief physicians to community relays, in the success of vaccination campaigns in the DRC. Updating the timeline of key activities, streamlining resources and establishing accountability frameworks are key elements to improve the vaccination of zero-dose and under-vaccinated children, thereby contributing to the country’s public health.