Polio vaccination campaign in DRC Equateur: a crucial initiative to preserve children’s health
The Equateur province in the Democratic Republic of Congo is mobilizing for a large-scale vaccination campaign against polio, a devastating disease that continues to threaten the lives of children. With 610,000 children aged 0 to 59 months targeted, this operation aims to protect the most vulnerable population against the disease.
The campaign was launched by the vice-governor of the province, marking the beginning of an unprecedented mobilization to fight polio. United Nations agencies are providing crucial support to the government in this initiative, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between all stakeholders to ensure the success of this vital operation.
The Equateur province remains at risk of the spread of the polio virus, as evidenced by previous epidemics that have affected the region. International cooperation is essential to control the disease, particularly given the constant exchanges between Equateur and neighboring provinces affected by the epidemic.
Government partners urge health providers to be proactive and efficient throughout the vaccination campaign, but also in the context of routine vaccination and epidemiological surveillance activities. A comprehensive and coordinated approach is necessary to ensure the success of polio eradication in Equateur province and in the DRC as a whole.
The vaccination campaign, which runs until December 7, is based on the administration of the new OPV vaccine to children door-to-door. It also includes a vaccination recovery for children and pregnant women who have not yet completed their routine vaccination schedule.
These simultaneous vaccination operations in the neighboring provinces of Grand-Equateur reflect the collective commitment of the authorities to protect the health of the populations and to end the persistent threat of polio. By joining forces and acting in a concerted manner, health stakeholders can contribute to the definitive elimination of polio and the protection of future generations against this devastating disease.