Meet Papa Diouldé Kanté, a 70-year-old retired accountant turned social mobilizer in Guinea's Hafia 1 neighborhood. Over the past 15 years, his tireless dedication has helped ensure the success of polio vaccination campaigns in Conakry. By educating parents and protecting children, Papa Kanté has become a beacon of community health.
In Guinea, social mobilizers like Papa Kanté are key to the success of vaccination campaigns. Originally from Kissidougou, Papa Kanté began his journey in 2012 when the neighborhood chief and health center chief recognized his passion for helping others and invited him to take on the role. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to keep the Hafia 1 neighborhood informed and vaccinated.
From Accountant to Mobilizer: Papa Kanté’s Dedication to Eradicating Polio in Guinea
My name is Papa Diouldé Kanté. I'm 70 years old, a retired accountant, and now a social mobilizer in the Hafia 1 neighborhood of Guinea. For the past 15 years, I have dedicated myself to ensuring that the children in my community are vaccinated against polio. It’s been a long journey, but one that fills me with pride. Every day, I go out there and speak with parents, making sure they understand why these vaccinations are so important. Protecting our children is not just a job for me—it’s my mission.
A 15-Year Journey of Community Dedication
I still remember when I was first asked to be a mobilizer. It was back in 2012. The neighborhood chief and the health center chief knew I had a passion for helping others, and they thought I would be good for the role. I agreed immediately because I believe that health is everything—if we can help people stay healthy, we are giving them the greatest gift of all. Since then, I’ve been working nonstop to make sure everyone in Hafia 1 is informed and prepared when vaccination time comes around.
My work means I go from house to house, talking to people. I tell them about the polio campaigns, make sure their children aged 0-59 months are counted, remind them when the vaccination dates are coming up, and ask if anyone has noticed signs of paralysis in any of the children. It’s not easy work—sometimes the weather is harsh, and sometimes people are tired or worried about other things—but when I see the children healthy, running around and playing, I know it’s all worth it. The whole neighborhood knows me now, and they trust me. Because of our efforts, no one refuses the vaccination anymore. That’s something I’m very proud of. I’ll keep doing this for as long as I can.
Driving Social Mobilization with Passion and Leadership
My work isn’t just about spreading information. I also help train new mobilizers. I remember what it was like when I started, how overwhelming it felt, and I want to make sure that the new mobilizers feel supported.
Photo: Papa Diouldé Kanté, social mobilizer for polio, Hafia Health Center.
Photo: Social mobilizers briefing led by Papa Diouldé Kanté.
A Community’s Trust: How Papa Kanté’s Leadership Drives Success
Papa Kanté's leadership has been instrumental in the success of the vaccination campaigns in Hafia 1. His commitment and dedication have earned him the trust and respect of his community and colleagues alike. Dr. Condé Moussa, the head of the Hafia Health Center, praises Papa Kanté for his constant involvement: "Papa Kanté is a dynamic and committed man who is always available for the center’s community activities. He is the driving force behind the social mobilizers, and his experience is crucial in training new mobilizers and supervising their work. I encourage the younger generation to follow his example."
Dr. Mariama Lamarana Barry, former head of the Hafia Health Center, adds: "Papa Kanté is deeply dedicated and highly competent. He loves his community, and the people appreciate him. Because of his ongoing work, almost no one in the neighborhood refuses vaccination anymore.
Papa Kanté's dedication has greatly improved the health of his community in Guinea. By going door-to-door, he has educated many parents about polio vaccination, helping protect children across Conakry. His story shows the vital role local leaders play in eradicating polio.
Photo: Dr. Condé Moussa, Head of Hafia Health Center.
Photo: Dr. Mariama Lamarana Barry, Former Head of Hafia Health Center.
Written by Afiavi B Aguessy, STOP 55 Polio, UNICEF Guinea
Edited by Daria Shubina, UNICEF NY HQ Polio SBC Knowledge Management Specialist
Photo credit: © UNICEF Guinea/2024/Afiavi B Aguessy