In the rural municipality of Bena Leka, one leader has emerged as a powerful advocate in the fight against polio. Mr. Roger NTUMBA, the long-serving mayor of Bena Leka, has become a local champion for polio eradication, using his platform and influence to engage, mobilize, and inspire his community. His commitment is not just symbolic—it's a reflection of his deep determination to safeguard the health and future of the children in his constituency.

As part of the June 2024 vaccination campaign, Mayor NTUMBA took several decisive actions to ensure that all children under five received vital health interventions, including the oral polio vaccine (OPV), Vitamin A supplements (VAS), and deworming agents (DA). His leadership played a crucial role in increasing awareness and participation, ensuring that the health campaign reached even the most remote areas of the municipality.

A Hands-On Approach to Polio Prevention

From the very beginning of the campaign, Mayor NTUMBA didn’t just oversee the process—he got involved directly. In a series of public events, the mayor was seen personally administering vaccines to children, sending a powerful message to the community: vaccination is a priority, and everyone, including local leaders, must take part in protecting the next generation. His hands-on approach showed that polio prevention is not just the responsibility of health professionals but a collective effort that includes community leaders.

By participating in the vaccination process, Mayor NTUMBA demonstrated his commitment to the health of the community, encouraging parents to bring their children forward for vaccination. This public display of leadership was critical in gaining trust and reinforcing the importance of these life-saving health interventions.

Building Alliances with Local Leaders

Recognizing that community buy-in is essential for the success of any public health campaign, Mayor NTUMBA expanded his efforts beyond his official responsibilities. He worked closely with local influencers, including neighborhood chiefs and religious leaders, organizing meetings to address challenges like vaccine hesitancy and refusal.

Mayor NTUMBA emphasized the shared responsibility in ensuring every child is vaccinated, highlighting the dangers of leaving any child unprotected. He urged local leaders to join the fight against polio by promoting vaccination in their communities and tackling misinformation. His leadership in uniting these influential voices was crucial in expanding the reach of the campaign and addressing the cultural and social barriers that often hinder vaccination efforts.

Spreading the Message Through Local Media

In rural areas like Bena Leka, where access to information can be limited, radio remains a primary communication tool. Mayor NTUMBA leveraged this medium effectively to spread the message of vaccination. Through interviews and public service announcements, broadcasted across the health zone, the mayor urged parents and caregivers to protect their children by participating in the vaccination campaign.

His frequent appearances on local radio helped reach those who might not attend public meetings or who were hesitant to vaccinate their children. By using a trusted and accessible communication channel, he amplified the urgency of tackling polio and other preventable diseases, ensuring that the message reached every corner of the municipality.

Inspiring Change Through Leadership

The impact of Mayor NTUMBA’s leadership extended beyond the logistics of the vaccination campaign. His passionate advocacy and active participation have inspired others in the community to take action. Local leaders, community volunteers, and residents alike rallied around the cause, recognizing that polio eradication requires a united front.

Whether speaking at campaign launches or addressing the public through local media, Mayor NTUMBA’s consistent message of shared responsibility and the life-saving importance of vaccines resonated deeply. His dedication became a catalyst for change, transforming the fight against polio from a health initiative into a community-wide movement. As a result, vaccination coverage in Bena Leka increased, and the June 2024 campaign saw renewed enthusiasm and commitment from both local leaders and community members.

A Beacon of Hope in Public Health

As the June 2024 campaign drew to a close, the health zone of Bena Leka experienced a significant boost in vaccination rates, with renewed efforts to combat not just polio but other preventable diseases as well. The mayor’s unwavering support and proactive leadership have left a lasting legacy, demonstrating the powerful role local leaders can play in driving public health initiatives.

Mayor NTUMBA’s approach offers a model of how dedicated leadership at the local level can overcome challenges, inspire action, and ultimately protect communities. His commitment serves as a beacon of hope, showing that through collaboration, communication, and community involvement, even the most daunting health challenges can be tackled effectively.

Written and photos by Ezéchiel TSHISUAKA, UNICEF DRC SBC Consultant, Rural Health Zone of Bena Leka
Edited by Daria Shubina, UNICEF NY HQ Polio SBC Knowledge Management Specialist