Community Engagement in Strengthening Health Systems and Vaccination of Zero-Dose Children in the Central African Republic: The Case of the Kemo-Carnot-Paoua Districts; Challenges and Impacts
Abstract:
Vaccination is one of the most effective
and cost-effective public health interventions, saving millions of lives each
year. However, its benefits are not evenly distributed, as there are
disparities in coverage that leave vulnerable populations in poor,
marginalized, or conflict-affected regions with insufficient protection. For
example, in the Central African Republic (CAR), where the health system is
severely weakened by prolonged conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic, issues such
as limited access to vaccination services, a lack of qualified personnel, an
inefficient supply chain, and poor-quality health data have resulted in low
vaccination rates. This situation highlights the urgent need for targeted
strategies to increase vaccination coverage, especially for the 13 million
"zero-dose" children who receive no vaccination protection each year.
Community engagement could be an interesting solution by mobilizing local
resources and encouraging greater participation, which could help overcome these
challenges and improve vaccination outcomes in the CAR.
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