Kinshasa to Host National Vaccination Forum: RDC Event, March 4-6
The bustling city of Kinshasa is gearing up to host the fourth edition of the National Vaccination and Polio Eradication Forum in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from March 4 to 6, 2025. This significant event will revolve around the theme “Immunization, Nutrition, and Cervical Cancer Prevention.” The announcement was made by the Minister of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Welfare, Roger Kamba, during a press briefing on Thursday, February 27.
Bringing together national leaders, governors, and health sector partners, the primary objective of the forum is to reaffirm the commitment of the Congolese government and its allies to strengthen routine vaccination, combat polio, malnutrition, and cervical cancer through a comprehensive, inclusive, and synergistic approach.
Focus on Routine Vaccination and Polio Eradication
One of the central discussions at the forum will center on enhancing routine vaccination, strategies to reach zero-dose and under-vaccinated children, and efforts towards the definitive eradication of polio. Minister Roger Kamba emphasized the importance of addressing malnutrition alongside vaccination, as nearly 48% of children in the DRC suffer from malnutrition. Highlighting the critical interplay between nutrition and vaccine efficacy, he stressed the need to tackle malnutrition to optimize the effectiveness of vaccination efforts. Additionally, the forum will shed light on cervical cancer, a leading cause of mortality among women in the country that can be prevented through vaccination. Despite significant progress in reducing polio cases, the disease remains a major challenge, with over 500 cases reported in 2022, dropping to just 22 cases in 2024. Minister Kamba underscored the importance of sustained efforts to achieve the complete eradication of polio.
Ensuring Vaccination in Conflict Zones
Dr. Polydore Mbungani, the coordinator of the National Universal Health Coverage Council (NUHCC), highlighted the initiatives in place to ensure vaccination coverage for children living in conflict zones. He outlined a response plan developed by the National Institute of Public Health in collaboration with the Public Health Emergency Operations Center to facilitate vaccination in conflict-affected regions. This plan, supported by humanitarian organizations, aims to reach children in areas where government access is limited due to ongoing conflicts. Additionally, it addresses the medical needs of war-injured individuals and other emergency medical situations.
In 2024, the Congolese government allocated $8.9 million for vaccine procurement, signaling a significant financial commitment to immunization efforts. This financial pledge was accompanied by innovative measures within the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) under the Mashako plan, aimed at revitalizing routine vaccination and substantially enhancing vaccine coverage nationwide.
Through collaborative efforts and strategic interventions, the National Vaccination Forum in Kinshasa seeks to galvanize stakeholders, policymakers, and healthcare professionals towards achieving comprehensive immunization coverage, combating polio, addressing malnutrition, and preventing cervical cancer. The forum serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and concerted action to safeguard public health and well-being in the DRC. Let us stand together in the fight against preventable diseases and strive for a healthier, more resilient future for all.