Vaccination: A Thread of Protection Across Generations in the Republic of the Congo
At the Moungali Health Centre in northern Brazzaville, the day begins with fathers like Mohamed taking the lead in their children’s healthcare. Carrying his ten-day-old son, Petito, Mohamed explains that he stepped in to allow his wife to rest. “We want him to receive all his vaccines on time,” he says, underscoring the deep commitment families in the region share to protect their children from the very start of life.
Throughout the morning, the clinic buzzes with consultations. Medical staff carefully review vaccination cards, prepare doses, and guide parents through the immunization process. Before clinical sessions begin, parents actively participate in health talks that cover various aspects of maternal and child health.
The Frontline of Community Care
For healthcare workers like Gisèle Manguitoukoulou, a dedicated nurse in the vaccination unit, these daily discussions are just as critical as the injections themselves. “Our role goes beyond administering vaccines. We listen to parents, reassure them and help them understand why every vaccination appointment matters,” she explains. The dedication of these frontline workers highlights the essential jobs that keep community healthcare systems functional and trusted.
Nearby, a mother named Elyam rocks her nine-month-old son, Cresty, after he receives his yellow fever vaccine. Though he initially fusses, the comfort of his mother’s arms quickly brings back his smile. “When that happens, I smile too, because I know he is protected against disease,” Elyam notes.
These everyday interactions form the backbone of a highly successful, community-based public health effort designed to ensure families across the continent have uninterrupted access to life-saving preventive care.
Measurable Success Through the WHO and EPI
With direct support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) is making remarkable strides in Brazzaville. The initiative focuses on improving access, strengthening community awareness, and ensuring rigorous follow-up for both adults and children. This multifaceted support includes training health workers, deploying outreach strategies for under-vaccinated populations, and carefully analyzing coverage data.
The results from early 2026 are highly encouraging for the Republic of the Congo:
- Measles-Rubella: Coverage for the first dose of the measles-rubella vaccine rose from 85% to 94.4% between January and April.
- Oral Polio: Coverage for the third dose of the oral polio vaccine increased from 82.4% to 92.3% during the same period.
Dr. Angelie Serge Patrick Dzabatou-Babeaux, WHO Immunization Adviser in the Republic of the Congo, emphasized the broader opinion shared by medical experts globally: “Vaccination protects people at every stage of life. WHO supports vaccination teams through training, monitoring tools and field activities so that children and adults can more easily access these services.”
A Lifelong Commitment to Protection
Professor Jile Florient Mimiesse, Director of the EPI, points out that the success observed in these clinics relies on sustained commitment and trust. “Every vaccination card reviewed, every dose administered and every family counselled contributes to stronger community protection,” he says.
Crucially, the clinic’s mandate extends beyond pediatric care. Vaccination is framed as a lifelong journey. The health centers proudly offer free EPI vaccines to adults who need to complete their immunization schedules.
Love, a woman in her forties, perfectly illustrates this lifelong commitment. She recently visited the clinic to receive the final dose of a diphtheria and tetanus vaccination series she began three years ago. Proudly displaying her fully stamped vaccination card, she shared a vital message for her peers: “Vaccination is not only for children. At every age, it is important to protect yourself. I encourage other adults to do the same and make sure their vaccinations are up to date.”
