Discover the inspiring story of Charles Mulenga, a polio survivor and local leader in Zambia, whose advocacy is driving polio vaccination success in Chifunabuli district. Learn how his personal experience and leadership are empowering communities to prevent polio and other diseases, ensuring no child is left behind.
Charles Mulenga’s Journey: Overcoming Polio and Championing Immunization
Meet Mr. Charles Mulenga, a resilient civic leader from Chifunabuli district in Zambia’s Luapula Province, whose life story embodies courage and determination. At just three years old, Charles’ life took a challenging turn when he contracted polio, a disease that would shape his future in profound ways. His parents, desperate for a cure, sought medical intervention, but an unsuccessful operation worsened his condition.
Photo: Chifunabuli Council Secretary, Mr. Charles Mulenga. UNICEF Zambia/2024.
The Challenges of Stigma and Social Exclusion: A Personal Struggle
Hoping for a miracle, Charles’ family turned to traditional healers, but their efforts were also in vain. It was a long and painful journey for Charles and his family to come to terms with the reality of living with polio. The realization brought a new set of challenges, including stigma and rejection from his peers and the community at large.
The social exclusion became so severe that Charles’ education was delayed, and he did not start school until the age of 12. Despite these hardships, Charles’ spirit remained unbroken. His experiences fueled his determination to make a difference – not only for himself but also for others facing similar circumstances.
Leading by Example: Charles’ Active Involvement in Vaccination Efforts
As Charles grew older, he embraced his role as a civic leader, drawing on his own struggles to advocate for the rights of marginalized groups and to promote education and awareness around disability issues. His journey with polio has given him a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those living with disabilities. He reiterates:
“Using my influence and experience as a survivor, I prioritize all efforts aimed at preventing diseases, especially in children, because they are mostly at risk of various illnesses. I would like to continually serve as an ambassador, championing vaccination campaigns and raising awareness in the community about polio.”
Community-Wide Impact: How One Leader is Fostering Vaccination Awareness
In his current role as Council Secretary—also referred to as the Chief Executive Officer of the Local Authority—in Chifunabuli district, Mr. Mulenga has vowed to ensure that various stakeholders are brought on board to mobilize resources and create demand for vaccines aimed at preventing diseases such as polio.
He has also emphasized the importance of continuous engagement with traditional leaders during planning to help identify the best ways of reaching out to their communities with key messages. He further explains that collaborating with the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) to send SMS messages in multiple languages, as well as extending campaign days to ensure fishing camps and mines are fully covered, would ensure no eligible children are missed.
Polio Prevention in Zambia: The Importance of Local Leadership in Public Health
Advocacy from local leaders like Mr. Charles Mulenga, who bring personal resilience and lived experience, plays a pivotal role in fostering community trust and driving impactful vaccination campaigns to eradicate polio.
Photos: Chifunabuli Council Secretary, Charles Mulenga addresses the community during the launch of the nOPV2 R1 campaign. UNICEF Zambia/2024.