So, like, from April 29th to May 6th, the African Vaccination Week is happening in Kinshasa. The Minister of Health, Hygiene, and Social Welfare, Roger Kamba, is like super worried about the increasing number of deaths among kids under 5 due to preventable diseases that could be avoided through vaccination. He’s calling on the Congolese communities to step up and make sure all the kiddos in the Democratic Republic of Congo are getting vaccinated properly.
Roger Kamba, the health minister, was quoted saying, “Like, almost half of the deaths of kids under five are from diseases that could’ve been prevented. And 41% of these deaths are happening in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is like, totally not cool. That’s why all African countries have been getting together for the past 15 years during African Vaccination Week to raise awareness, inform people, and get everyone on board with the importance of prevention through vaccination. It’s, like, a super vital solution to protect human life, especially our children.”
He also added, “Our country, the DRC, is, like, dealing with a lot of diseases like polio, measles, and now this new thing called Mpox. We also have, like, a crazy high number of kids who are either not vaccinated or haven’t gotten all their shots. With the government’s commitment, we’re working hard to make sure no child gets left behind, no matter where they live. That’s why I’m calling on local authorities, community leaders, the media, civil society, and partners to come together and make this week a reminder of solidarity and commitment to everyone’s health because, you know, vaccinating is all about love and protection.”
According to the health ministry, over a million kids under one year old didn’t get any vaccines in 2023, and nearly 2 million didn’t get their third dose. The ongoing conflicts and population movements are, like, the major reasons behind this, not only spreading diseases but also making it hard for kids and families in certain areas to access vaccines.
Just to jog your memory, the Congolese government launched the ‘Mashako’ plan in 2018 to ramp up routine vaccination and significantly improve vaccination coverage across the country.
The theme for the 2025 edition is “Vaccines for All, Totally Doable,” and this African Vaccination Week is all about renewing the collective commitment and ensuring fair access to vaccines for every child, community, and country in the African region.
So, like, it’s important to realize the impact of vaccination and how it can save lives, you know? It’s not just about getting a shot; it’s about protecting our loved ones and our communities. Let’s all come together and make sure every child gets the protection they need through vaccination. It’s, like, the least we can do to ensure a healthier future for everyone.