These soldiers belong to opposition forces in Gbadolite, Democratic Republic of Congo, who in September 2000 agreed to allow immunizations during “Days of Tranquility.” USAID helped facilitate negotiations that secured safe passage for vaccinators, vaccines, and equipment.

Countries in Conflict

War-torn areas pose extraordinary political and logistical challenges for polio eradication. Whether conflicts occur between or within countries, reaching every child with multiple doses of vaccine becomes a monumental task.

Cease-Fires
National and local military leaders, other governmental authorities, and rebel forces in control of disputed territory are often among the parties engaged in negotiating the cease-fires that permit immunizations to proceed on “Days of Tranquility.” Involving local leaders and local nongovernmental organizations is often important for national immunization days to succeed in conflicted areas.