Vaccination and vitamin A for 6-month-old Ibrahima

The island of Kassa, off the coast of Conakry, Guinea, is home to nearly 20,000 people. Despite its proximity to the capital, the island remains isolated and suffers from limited access to basic services such as health, drinking water and education. For many families, obtaining health care for their children is a real challenge.

Mata Kourouma, a young mother, experiences this on a daily basis. Living on this island, she has always found it difficult to get to the health center to vaccinate her 6-month-old son, Ibrahima. Divided between household chores and earning a living, Mata had little time to monitor her child's health. Ibrahima's immunization record was overdue, and she was worried.

During a vitamin A supplementation, birth registration, and immunization campaign, a team of health workers came to Mata's home. After discussions with the health workers, she decided to have Ibrahima vaccinated and given vitamin A. Anxious at first, Mata was quickly reassured when she saw her son smile after receiving the capsule. "I am relieved to know that Ibrahima is better protected. This simple capsule will prevent serious diseases like blindness," she says with relief.

Meanwhile, the registrar accompanying the team registered the birth of Mata's youngest daughter, 3-years-old M'hawa. Mata, who had not yet been able to officially register her daughter, felt a deep sense of relief. "Now my child exists in the eyes of the state and will be able to benefit from her rights. Getting this birth certificate for free thanks to this visit is a real blessing". Recalling the difficulties she has faced in the past in obtaining identity documents, she adds, "I want my children to have a simpler future, and I invite all parents to register their children."

The campaign also reached out to the family of 4-month-old Salematou, who received the missed vaccines. Her mother, Mabinty, watched the injection carefully and was reassured by the information she received about the importance of vaccines. "I am comforted to know that my daughter is now protected. Thank you to the team for taking the time to educate us."
Dr. Odia Sagnoh, UNICEF Health and Nutrition Specialist, explains that this campaign is essential for children on Kassa Island who live far from health services. "Vitamin A is crucial for boosting immunity and preventing blindness. Birth registration is a fundamental right that guarantees access to education and health care. And immunization is one of the most effective ways to protect children from preventable diseases," she stresses.
Dr. Sagnoh concludes by urging parents to take advantage of the campaign: "This campaign is a unique opportunity to ensure a brighter future for our children. Let's seize it!"

From June 28 to July 1, health teams visited the island of Kassa to administer vitamin A, vaccinate children and register births. Supported by the Guinean Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, UNICEF, Helen Keller International and ChildFund, this initiative aims to meet the basic needs of children and promote their well-being.

Thanks to this campaign, which offers three essential services in a single visit (vitamin A, birth registration, and routine immunization) directly to the home via door-to-door visits, Mata, Mabinty, and other mothers on the island can now look forward to a brighter future for their children.