Resilience and Advocacy: Personal Stories of Triumph in Congo’s Fight Against Polio

In the fight against polio in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, some individuals stand out not just for their roles in public health but for their personal stories that inspire and lead their communities towards a polio-free future. These narratives not only highlight the importance of vaccinations but also the power of personal experience and advocacy in overcoming public health challenges.

Turning Personal Tragedy into Community Triumph: Julienne Zirage's Crusade Against Polio in Kadutu

Julienne Zirage Bashoga, a 34-year-old woman from Bagira, has become an inspiring figure in the fight against polio in Kadutu. Despite her own challenges with polio, which left her unable to walk from the age of two, Julienne has dedicated her life to ensuring no child in her community suffers as she did.

With five years of experience in a local association for the disabled and training in tailoring, Julienne's journey has been marked by her proactive involvement in various civil society initiatives. Her unvaccinated status as a child, due to her mother's fear of vaccination campaigns, fueled her resolve to change perceptions about vaccinations in her community.

Today, Julienne supports the health zone by educating pregnant women and nursing mothers on nutrition and promoting essential family practices, including the importance of maintaining a vaccination schedule and proper hygiene. She has been a pivotal force in combating resistance to vaccination by sharing her personal story and engaging with the community through radio shows and other media platforms.

Her efforts not only emphasize the importance of community involvement in health initiatives but also highlight the critical role of personal testimony in public health advocacy.

Reaching the Unreachable: Polio Vaccination Extends into the Forests of Kimungu

Written by Basile Lange, SBC Officer, UNICEF Kalemie

In the health zone of Ankoro, known for its pockets of resistance to vaccination, particularly against polio, an extraordinary campaign unfolded that brought vaccines to the most unlikely places. Ngoyi Mwilambwe Venance, a 55-year-old father of nine and resident of the agricultural camp in Kimungu, often traveled early in the morning to his fields, 5 km away from his home, with his youngest son, three-year-old Tuta Tembwe. Unaware of the ongoing polio vaccination campaign due to his frequent absences from the village, Ngoyi was surprised on the second day of the campaign when a team arrived at his field.

The team, led by the mobilizer Kakudji Laurent, was on a mission to find and vaccinate children not present in the village but out in the fields with their parents. Along with a vaccinator and a recorder, Kakudji used a megaphone to traverse the forest blocks, calling on parents and holding group discussions with 5 to 8 family decision-makers to cement understanding about the benefits of vaccinating children against polio.

Kakudji explained to the parents that the two drops of the vaccine could prevent polio, which has left many children disabled. The parents, grateful for the close follow-up and community-based approach, received valuable information about child development and protection that only vaccination could provide against debilitating diseases.

His efforts resulted in the vaccination of 19 children, fulfilling a dream he had always cherished.

The parents, appreciative of the team's efforts, offered bunches of amaranth leaves as a gesture of hospitality. However, laden with vegetables, the team's mission to vaccinate 100 children that day was ambitious, yet the parents understood the arduous fight and the sacrifice made by these enthusiastic volunteers combating polio in their villages.

Thanks to the network of community mobilizers from community animation cells, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Congolese government, continues to work in polio-affected health zones to prevent the risk of the disease spreading.

Conclusion

The stories of Julienne and Ngoyi highlight the crucial role of personal experiences in shaping public health strategies. Their unique approaches to advocacy have not only changed lives but also reshaped how communities view and participate in vaccination campaigns. By embracing their roles as advocates, they demonstrate how individual actions can lead to collective health improvements, inspiring others to join in the critical fight against polio. Through their courage and commitment, Julienne and Ngoyi embody the spirit of resilience and the power of community-led health initiatives.