UNICEF Urges Lubumbashi Parents to Vaccinate Kids Amid Campaign

On Friday, April 26th, four young UNICEF reporters encouraged parents in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga, to prioritize their children's vaccinations, especially during the vaccination week. They visited the Mampala 1 health zone in Mubunda, where parent Esther Balenga cited travel as a reason for her children's missed vaccinations. Nurse Lydie Mbuyi urged parents to bring their children for vaccinations, while UNICEF's Katanga Musau emphasized the importance of fathers' involvement in the process. The vaccination week concludes on Sunday, April 28th.

UNICEF Encourages Parents in Lubumbashi to Vaccinate Their Children

Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo - On Friday, April 26, 2023, four young UNICEF reporters urged parents in Lubumbashi to bring their children up-to-date on their immunization schedules. This appeal was made in conjunction with the ongoing vaccination week campaign.

The young reporters visited the Mampala 1 health zone within the Mubunda health zone in Lubumbashi. One of the parents in this community, Esther Balenga, explained why her children had not yet received their vaccinations: "Only two of my children have not been vaccinated. The boy is two years old, and the girl is one year and six months old. We were always traveling, and there was nowhere I could get all of my children vaccinated."

Lydie Mbuyi, a nurse at the Mubunda 2 health center, implored parents to bring their children in for vaccinations: "I urge mothers to bring their children to the health centers so they can be vaccinated. Vaccination is an act of love. We are here and ready to receive them."

Katanga Musau, a UNICEF child reporter, emphasized the importance of fathers being involved in their children's vaccination schedules: "I urge men to accompany their wives to the hospital for vaccinations. It is vital for the child's health and well-being. When men monitor their children's development, they can identify any deficiencies or issues. Women may sometimes be more neglectful, as we have observed in the field. However, if men are involved, the child will be taken more seriously."

The vaccination week campaign concludes on Sunday, April 28, 2023.