Vaccination of children against poliomyelitis in Maniema has been a great success, with more than 600,000 children aged 0 to 59 months vaccinated in just two days. This was stated by Dr. Walumba Omari, head doctor of the Extended Vaccination Program (EPI) in Kindu, during a recent interview with Radio Okapi.
The outcome of this vaccination campaign is generally positive, with a coverage rate of more than 99%. Of the 606,000 children expected, more than 600,000 have been vaccinated. This campaign also made it possible to find children who were late in their vaccination schedule and to update them as part of the routine EPI.
However, Dr. Walumba Omari pointed out that some parents still refuse to have their children vaccinated for religious reasons or hesitate without having valid reasons. According to him, it is these children who are at risk of missing the vaccination and putting their health at risk. He therefore called on parents to follow the example of those who agree to have their children vaccinated, stressing that vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent diseases in children under five.
This vaccination campaign against poliomyelitis in Maniema is a reminder of the importance of vaccination in disease prevention. Despite the progress made, it is essential that parents continue to trust vaccination programs and ensure that their children receive all the necessary doses. Vaccination is a fundamental measure to protect the health and well-being of children, and each child immunized contributes to the fight against diseases and to building a healthier future for all