Vaccine Hesitancy Rampant In Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces significant challenges in its COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Despite being the second largest country in Africa, only a small fraction of its population has been vaccinated. Vaccine hesitancy is fueled by distrust, misinformation, and logistical issues. The DRC returned a large number of AstraZeneca doses due to spoilage and low uptake. Public perception is influenced by misinformation, with many believing vaccines are unsafe or unnecessary. Efforts are underway to combat misinformation and improve vaccine distribution, with support from international agencies.

What role do public health officials play in addressing vaccine hesitancy in the DRC?

How has the ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC affected the COVID-19 pandemic response?