Benito Kazenza, Bijou Masokolo, Branly Mbunga, Landry Egbende, Severin Elemo, Josué Lukusa, Darius Makindu, Dalau NKamba, Daniel Isosho, Paul-Samson Lusamba, Eric Mafuta
The study highlights the challenges faced during the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination. Decentralized planning, improved vaccine stock management, health worker training, and customized communication would all be ways to improve the response to public health emergencies.
BACKGROUND: Vaccination is a pivotal component of the public health response to COVID-19. Organizational problems regarding the implementation of COVID-19 vaccines in the DRC are largely unknown, aside from social problems such as disinformation, cultural, and religious opposition. This qualitative study explored organizational and sociocultural challenges affecting COVID-19 vaccination implementation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, from the perspectives of frontline providers and health managers.
METHODS: This qualitative case study was carried out in 2024, targeting healthcare workers, Health Zone Managers, and EPI Provincial Coordinators involved in COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Data was obtained through individual in-depth interviews overseen by provincial supervisors, which were conducted in French, guided by a thematic guide. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and deidentified before analysis. The research team conducted a qualitative content analysis by reading the transcripts and coding them inductively so that themes could be developed directly from the data. Data and transcripts of the participant interviews were analyzed collaboratively, with initial discrepancies being resolved for analytical rigor, supported by illustrative participant quotations.
RESULTS: Healthcare workers reported that misinformation, religious opposition, and community mistrust constrained vaccine acceptance, while supply, cold-chain, and stock-management challenges disrupted vaccine delivery. Vaccine allocation was also perceived as insufficiently aligned with local demand, contributing to both shortages and excess stocks.
CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the challenges faced during the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination. Decentralized planning, improved vaccine stock management, health worker training, and customized communication would all be ways to improve the response to public health emergencies.