Polio remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Despite achieving its goal of eradicating wild poliovirus in 2015, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has seen a resurgence of variant poliovirus cases. The importance of vaccinating remote children cannot be overstated, especially in regions like Tshopo province.
Ongoing Vaccination Efforts in Tshopo Province
On August 28, 2025, a crucial vaccination campaign took place in Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo province, which has a population of approximately 1.6 million. This initiative is part of a UNICEF-supported program aimed at stopping the spread of polio.
- Vaccination Campaign Date: August 28, 2025
- Location: Kisangani, Tshopo Province, DRC
- Population of Kisangani: 1.6 million
- Variant Poliovirus Cases (2022-2024): Over 28 cases
During this campaign, children like Christiania, 3, and Dixon, 4, received the polio vaccine to protect them against this preventable disease. The vaccination strategy involves administering two types of vaccines, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Community Health Workers’ Role
Local community health workers, including Marguerite Simba, play a crucial role in these vaccination efforts. With 25 years of experience, Simba goes door-to-door to ensure that families are informed about the importance of vaccinations. She works alongside Antoine Otende Urudi, who marks homes with chalk to track how many children require vaccinations.
Simba recalls a time when parents believed polio was a curse. Today, however, she educates families about the disease’s preventability through vaccination.
Impact of Displacement and Violence
In eastern DRC, ongoing conflict has displaced millions. This instability has made it challenging to reach every child with lifesaving vaccines. Nevertheless, UNICEF and its partners continue to ensure that displaced children receive essential vaccinations.
- Vaccines Delivered in North Kivu and South Kivu: Over 4.7 million doses
- Total Children Vaccinated Nationally in 2025: Over 28 million
Vaccinators like Matthieu Munganga emphasize the importance of not just administering vaccines, but also providing reassurance to parents in these difficult contexts. The commitment of vaccinators underscores the critical need to protect every child’s life.
Involvement of Polio Survivors
Polio survivors like Adosy Nseyi also play a vital role in vaccination campaigns. Nseyi, who suffered paralysis from polio, advocates for vaccinations by sharing her personal story. Her experiences resonate with parents, encouraging them to protect their children.
As UNICEF mobilizes resources and support for vaccination efforts, the ongoing challenge remains clear. Vaccinating remote children is crucial in the fight against polio and ensuring a healthier future for every child in the DRC.
