The project, titled "Zéro dose, zéro omission" (Zero dose, zero omission), was launched on October 8, 2026, in Siguiri, a prefecture in northeastern Guinea. The initiative aims to strengthen community awareness and promote continuous vaccination, ensuring that no child is left behind. The project is being implemented by the Amicale des jeunes pour le progrès (AJP) and funded by the Gavi vaccine alliance.
The launch ceremony was attended by local authorities, including the prefect's representative, Colonel Fadjimba Mara, and regional health inspector, Thierno Ibrahima Kourouma. Kourouma praised the Guinean government's efforts to improve vaccination coverage and invited local stakeholders to support the initiative. Mara, representing the prefect, officially launched the project and encouraged local leaders to participate in its implementation.
The project's goal is to address the issue of zero-dose and zero-omission cases, where children are not vaccinated or are missed during vaccination campaigns. According to the project's director, Ibrahima Kourouma, all necessary arrangements have been made to achieve the project's objectives. The initiative is expected to last for 16 months and will involve community sensitization and mobilization.
To facilitate the project's implementation, eight motorcycles were distributed to health agents to enable them to move easily within the prefecture. The AJP and Gavi are working together to ensure the project's success. Local stakeholders, including representatives of religious confessions and heads of health posts, attended the launch ceremony, demonstrating the project's collaborative nature.
The project aligns with the Guinean government's efforts to improve vaccination coverage and reduce child mortality. Guinea has made significant progress in recent years in expanding vaccination programs and increasing access to healthcare services. However, challenges persist, particularly in rural areas, where access to healthcare services remains limited.
Community engagement and awareness are critical components of the project. The AJP and local stakeholders will work together to educate communities about the importance of vaccination and address concerns and misconceptions that may hinder vaccination efforts. By promoting continuous vaccination, the project aims to ensure that all children in Siguiri have access to life-saving vaccines.
The project's launch in Siguiri marks a significant step towards improving vaccination coverage in Guinea. With the support of local stakeholders, the AJP, and Gavi, the initiative is expected to make a positive impact on child health in the region. The project's success will be closely monitored, and its outcomes may inform similar initiatives in other parts of Guinea.
Key points
- The project aims to strengthen community awareness and promote continuous vaccination, targeting zero-dose and zero-omission cases.
- The initiative is being implemented by the Amicale des jeunes pour le progrès (AJP) and funded by the Gavi vaccine alliance.
- The project will last for 16 months and involves community sensitization and mobilization.
