The National Order of Nurses and Midwives of Congo (ONIC) has launched a campaign to strengthen the involvement of nurses in promoting child vaccination in the Democratic Republic of Congo. On September 29, the organization, in collaboration with the Expanded Vaccination Program (PEV), funded by the Gates Foundation and implemented with the support of Enda Santé, held a press conference in Kinshasa's Matonge district. The event aimed to highlight the role of healthcare professionals in combating vaccine-preventable diseases.
The ONIC emphasized the crucial role of nurses in protecting children's health and promoting vaccination. According to the organization, surveys and consultations conducted at the provincial and national levels have shown that reliable information, adapted communication, and a relationship of trust between healthcare professionals and communities are essential. The ONIC is calling on nurses to provide parents and communities with clear, accurate, and understandable information about vaccination, while listening to their concerns and hesitations.
Nurses are also encouraged to contribute to the fight against rumors and misinformation by providing explanations based on available data. They should direct parents to vaccination services and encourage adherence to the vaccination schedule. The ONIC believes that improving the welcome in health facilities and responsible communication can help build trust in communities. The organization advocates for stronger collaboration between nurses, the Expanded Vaccination Program, health authorities, civil society organizations, and community leaders.
According to the ONIC, each nurse is a trusted actor and an essential relay for ensuring that every child receives the vaccines they are entitled to. The organization is placing nurses at the heart of a strategy to raise awareness among families, as vaccination remains one of the main tools for preventing several childhood diseases. The ONIC's initiative comes at a time when health authorities and their partners are seeking to strengthen community adherence to vaccination programs.
The press conference also highlighted the malaria vaccine, which is intended for children under five years old and is administered in four doses at 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, and 15 months. The ONIC emphasized that this vaccine is exclusively for young children and that adults are not eligible. The organization hopes that this vaccine will help save the lives of many children.
The ONIC's campaign aims to mobilize nurses to take a more active role in promoting vaccination and addressing community concerns. By working together, the organization believes that it can increase vaccination rates and reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ONIC's efforts are supported by partners such as the Gates Foundation and Enda Santé.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen healthcare in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By empowering nurses to take a leading role in promoting vaccination, the ONIC hopes to make a positive impact on public health. The organization will continue to work with its partners to support the implementation of vaccination programs and promote the health and well-being of children in the country.
Key points
- The National Order of Nurses and Midwives of Congo (ONIC) is urging nurses to promote child vaccination in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The ONIC is calling on nurses to provide parents and communities with clear, accurate, and understandable information about vaccination.
- The organization is placing nurses at the heart of a strategy to raise awareness among families about the importance of vaccination.
