** Vaccination against TSHOPO polio: towards collective protection of children **
On April 9, 2025, the province of Tshopo marked an important turning point in its fight against polio with the launch of an ambitious vaccination campaign. Carried out in the commune of Kisangani, this initiative, supported by Governor Paulin Lendongolia Lebabonga and the provincial Minister of Health, Bazaiba Masudi Nono, aims to inoculate nearly 2.27 million children, an essential step to prevent a potentially devastating disease.
### An urgent need for vaccination
Poliomelitis, a viral disease often associated with irreversible handicaps, remains a threat in certain regions. In this region of Central Africa, efforts to eradicate the disease come up against multiple challenges, ranging from health infrastructure to beliefs and reluctance of certain communities. In this sense, the historical context of the fight against polio in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) contrasts with the successes observed in other countries. To date, vaccination remains the most effective way to fight this disease.
### Inclusive vaccination campaign
This campaign not only covers the province of Tshopo, but also part of the neighboring province of Maniema. The strategy carried by the provincial government includes door-to-door visits, which aim to ensure that each child, including those who have not received all their previous vaccines, are taken care of. By mobilizing 4,076 vaccination teams made up of various health and community players, the campaign shows a desire to include local voices and highlight community participation.
The use of IT tools for reporting is also a commendable initiative, which improves data collection and ensuring the traceability of vaccinations. This increased need for transparency and efficiency is all the more crucial in a context where resources are often limited.
### Reactions from stakeholders
The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomed this initiative, stressing the importance of the commitment of all the actors concerned, including politico-administrative authorities, religious and youth leaders. This call for collective action highlights a fundamental concern: it is not enough to administer vaccines, it is also crucial to create a benevolent environment around this initiative so that it is accepted and welcomed by local populations.
Governor Lendongolia, for his part, insisted on the fundamental role of parents in this campaign, by encouraging them to bring their children into health centers. This approach is not only positive but could also be used to strengthen citizens’ confidence in vaccination campaigns, essential to guarantee public health.
### Differenties to overcome
However, despite the efforts made, questions about the acceptance of vaccines within certain communities. This raises the question of the way in which the information is communicated and received by the population. Beyond logistical efforts, an adapted communication strategy, respectful of local beliefs and values, could help lift doubts and strengthen support for vaccination.
In addition, vaccination coverage cannot be the only measure of success. The continuity of care and the systematic monitoring of children, even after this campaign, will be essential to avoid a resurgence of the disease. It is also relevant to wonder how the lessons learned from this campaign could be applied to other public health initiatives in the future.
### Conclusion: a common hope
The vaccination campaign carried out in tshopo is a showcase of collective effort to ensure the health of children. In a world where polio could still be wreaking havoc, the success of this campaign will depend not only on logistics, but also on the commitment of all actors, whether institutional, community or family. It is now up to everyone to play their role in this common struggle and to reflect on the way in which health policies can be reinforced for the well-being of future generations.
In this context, hope lies in collective action and vigilance continues in order to build a future where polio is only a memory in the annals of the history of public health.