Fatshimetrie, 17 September 2024 (ACP). The recent launch of the polio resurgence vaccination campaign in Kisangani, the main city of Tshopo province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is an urgent response to the current outbreak. Health authorities, in collaboration with UNICEF, WHO and other partners, have mobilized the necessary resources to protect the population, especially children under 5 years of age.
Jonh Mondele Bolingo, Coordinator of the National Communication Program, stressed the importance of sensitizing the population on the gravity of the situation. The vaccination campaign, which will take place from 19 to 21 September, will be implemented in 17 health zones of the Kisangani Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) branch, while also targeting the neighboring province of Maniema. This diligence is crucial to stem the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable communities.
Poliomyelitis, also known as polio, is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause paralysis within hours. Recent cases recorded in Lowa and Masiri highlight the urgency of the situation and the need for a rapid and coordinated response. Jonh Mondele stresses the importance for journalists to relay accurate and reliable information to help the population understand public health issues.
At the same time, the current epidemiological situation is worrying, with more than 1,500 suspected cases of Mpox and 60 deaths reported in the region. Authorities are calling for vigilance and recommending preventive measures such as food hygiene and protection from contact with infected people. The sexual transmission of the disease highlights the importance of safe sex practices to slow the spread of the virus.
The Tshopo province is facing a major public health challenge, but the mobilization of local and international actors demonstrates a collective will to protect the population. The polio vaccination campaign is a vital first step in the fight against this disease and demonstrates the authorities’ commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of all.
In conclusion, the current situation requires urgent and concerted action to prevent the spread of polio and protect the population of Tshopo province. Awareness, vaccination and preventive measures are essential tools to contain the epidemic and ensure a healthier future for all.