In the Dibaya Health Zone of DR Congo, Mrs. Josephine transformed from a skeptical mother to a dedicated vaccinator in the fight against polio. After realizing the devastating effects of the disease, she not only vaccinated her own child but also joined vaccination campaigns to educate and protect other children. Her inspiring journey highlights the importance of community involvement and serves as a powerful call to action for parents to vaccinate their children. Supported by UNICEF, heroes like Mrs. Josephine are vital in working towards a polio-free future.
Standing at the Frontline in Dibaya Health Zone
In the heart of the Moyo Health Area, within the Dibaya Health Zone of Kasai Central Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one woman stands as a beacon of hope in the battle against poliomyelitis. Mrs. Josephine, a devoted mother and community heroine, was not always an advocate for vaccination. Her transformative journey from skepticism to activism is a powerful testament to the impact one individual can make.
A Painful Awakening
"There was a time when I thought vaccines were not essential," she admits. "I naively believed that polio only affected others, that my children were safe simply because we lived far from outbreaks."
This misconception shattered when she met a woman paralyzed by polio contracted during childhood. "Her words resonated deeply with me," Mrs. Josephine recalls. "She spoke of the insurmountable challenges she faced: the stares from others, the difficulty of moving around, and most of all, the constant feeling of being limited by a preventable disease. That day, my perspective changed entirely. I realized I could no longer remain passive."
From Awareness to Action
Determined to protect her children, Mrs. Josephine sought knowledge. She attended awareness sessions, posed questions to health professionals, and listened to the stories of other families impacted by polio. Shortly after, she ensured her own child was vaccinated.
But for her, this was just the beginning. "I knew there were other mothers like me—hesitant, unaware of the real dangers," she says. Motivated by this realization, she chose to become an active participant in the vaccination campaigns, taking on the role of a vaccinator in her health area.
A Message of Love and Hope
Today, Mrs. Josephine is a respected figure in her community. Accompanied by a dedicated team, she travels from village to village, going door to door to educate families and vaccinate children. Her story has become a source of inspiration, demonstrating that the fight against polio is a shared responsibility.
"Vaccination is much more than a simple medical act," she expresses with emotion. "It's an act of love. As a mother, I want all children to grow up healthy, to have the chance to fulfill their dreams without being hindered by a preventable disease."
Empowering a Community
Mrs. Josephine's commitment has ignited a spark within her community. Other mothers are now stepping forward, following her example. The collective effort is fostering a stronger, healthier environment for the children of Dibaya.
A Call to Action
She extends a heartfelt message to all parents: "Don't wait until it's too late. Educate yourselves, listen to the experiences of others, and make the decision to protect your children. Polio can be defeated, but it starts with each one of us. Together, we can build a polio-free future."
Photo: Mrs. Josephine administering a polio vaccine to a child during her door-to-door campaign in the Dibaya Health Zone. UNICEF/2024/DRC
UNICEF's Role in Supporting Community Heroes
Mrs. Josephine's journey from doubt to dedication embodies the transformative power of awareness and the impact of personal commitment. Her story is a poignant reminder that when individuals take action, communities thrive. In the fight against polio, every voice counts, and together, a polio-free world is within reach.
UNICEF recognizes the vital role that individuals like Mrs. Josephine play in eradicating polio and other preventable diseases. By empowering local leaders and supporting community-based initiatives, UNICEF strives to ensure that every child is reached, and no one is left behind.
Photo: A heartfelt moment as Mrs. Josephine educates a mother on the importance of polio vaccination for her children. UNICEF/2024/DRC
Written by Dorcas Meta Mikobi, SBC Consultant, UNICEF DRC