In Ankoro, DRC, Nestor Twite Kazadi is a 30-year-old community mobilizer making a significant impact in the fight against polio. Facing challenges like poverty, conflict, and misinformation, Nestor goes door-to-door educating parents about the importance of vaccinating their children. His efforts have led to thousands of parents being informed and hundreds of children receiving the polio vaccine. Nestor's dedication not only improves vaccination rates but also changes mindsets, inspiring others in his community. Supported by organizations like UNICEF, hseroes like Nestor are essential in working towards a polio-free future.
Making a Difference in Ankoro, Tanganyika Province, DRC
In the southeastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the town of Ankoro within Tanganyika Province, lives Nestor Twite Kazadi, a 30-year-old man dedicated to community mobilization. His story is one of deep commitment in an area where poverty, conflict, and misinformation complicate the fight against preventable diseases like polio.
A Challenging Context, An Immense Task
Ankoro has been marked by years of community conflicts that have left deep social scars. Parents are often poorly informed about the importance of vaccination, and persistent rumors about side effects remain strong. Despite these challenges, Nestor fights daily with determination to change this reality.
A Mission at the Heart of the Community
As a community mobilizer, Nestor doesn't just inform—he engages. He goes from house to house, explaining to parents why it's crucial to vaccinate their children. Every month, he organizes dialogue sessions to answer questions, alleviate fears, and encourage participation in vaccination campaigns.
During recent vaccination activities, Nestor and his team have raised awareness among thousands of parents, enabling hundreds of children to receive their doses of the polio vaccine. His work contributes to strengthening vaccination coverage and protecting his community against this preventable disease.
Commitment That Makes a Difference
Nestor's impact is measured not only in statistics but also in the changes he brings to mindsets. Thanks to his efforts, many parents who previously hesitated to vaccinate their children now regularly attend sessions. He takes particular joy in seeing unvaccinated children catching up on missed doses—a sign that his visits and dialogues are bearing fruit.
Photo: A community mobilizer in action: Nestor Twite Kazadi amplifies the message of hope and health, urging families to protect their children against polio. UNICEF/2024/DRC
Photo: A circle of change: Nestor leads a heartfelt conversation with parents, inspiring them to take a step toward eradicating polio in their community. UNICEF/2024/DRC
A Source of Inspiration
For Nestor, each child protected against polio is a personal victory. "What I do is to bring an end to polio," he often says. His conviction and dedication inspire his fellow mobilizers and vaccinators, as well as the families he meets.
A Future Without Polio
Nestor's story is that of a man who believes in the future of his community. Through his work, he shows that even under the most difficult conditions, change is possible through determination and dialogue. He is living proof that eradicating polio requires more than vaccines—it needs everyday heroes like him, ready to fight for every child.
Photo: Nestor Twite Kazadi, a community mobilizer in Ankoro, DRC, speaks with a mother and her child about the importance of vaccination to protect against polio. Through dialogue and dedication, he helps families overcome misinformation and ensures children receive life-saving vaccines. UNICEF/2024/DRC
Photo: Under the shade of a tree, trust is built—Nestor listens and reassures a mother, paving the way for a healthier future for her child. UNICEF/2024/DRC
UNICEF's Role in Supporting Community Heroes
UNICEF recognizes the critical role individuals like Nestor play in the fight against polio and other preventable diseases. By supporting community mobilizers and providing resources for awareness campaigns, UNICEF aims to ensure that every child is protected, and no one is left behind.
Nestor Twite Kazadi exemplifies the profound impact one person can have in transforming a community. His unwavering commitment not only increases vaccination rates but also fosters trust and education among parents. In the battle against polio, heroes like Nestor are indispensable, reminding us that with dedication and collective effort, a polio-free world is within reach.
Written by Marc Katomanga, SBC Consultant, UNICEF DRC