Conakry – Rose Oulemou: A trusted voice for vaccination in Guinea

Conakry-In the Ansoumania health zone, in the commune of Kagbelen, Conakry, Rose Oulemou is much more than a community health worker. For more than five years, she has been informing, reassuring and supporting families to protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Her regular presence in the field and her closeness to residents make her a trusted voice, capable of dispelling doubts and bringing families closer to health services.

"My role in my community is to raise awareness to prevent avoidable diseases and ensure surveillance," she explains.

Rose graduated from the National School of Health in Kindia in 2018 and she chose this path out of personal conviction: "I dreamed, I told myself: 'I must be a health worker to contribute to protecting my community.'" Over the years, this commitment has grown stronger. She focuses on informing families and encouraging sustainable preventive behaviours.

Raising awareness and convincing every day
In the field, Rose carries out awareness activities in neighborhoods, places of worship and markets. She uses simple but effective tools to deliver her messages: "We use picture boxes to raise awareness. We go to churches, mosques and public places."

Her work also involves addressing doubts and hesitations. Some families are worried about vaccination. "Sometimes the mother says: 'I don't want my child to be vaccinated…' So we explain the importance of vaccines. We show pictures… Afterwards, they accept."

Through a patient, respectful and educational approach, she gradually helps build trust between communities and health services.

Visible results in the community
When measles cases were reported in Ansoumania, she liaised with her colleagues to organize a rapid response: "We mobilized the parents," she says.

The results are now tangible: "Before, we received many children with measles, but today that's no longer the case."

Beyond the drop in cases, lasting behavioural change is evident. "On vaccination days, the health centre is full. There's not even space. Families have understood the importance of vaccination."

She also recalls a striking case where persistence made the difference. A mother refused to vaccinate her child despite several visits. "When I came, I took the time to explain. Finally, she accepted and we vaccinated the child."

By listening and addressing concerns, she managed to dispel doubts where others had not been heard. Gradually, things are changing: some families now take the initiative. "Sometimes, when appointments are approaching, families call us themselves."

A clear sign that trust is gradually taking root.

Pride supported by collective action
In her work, Rose relies on support from the Ministry of Health and partners, including World Health Organization (WHO). "When a case is detected, they guide us and support us," she explains.

She recalls an intervention during a diphtheria case: "WHO and UNICEF came to support us in vaccinating those around and carrying out awareness activities."

For her, every vaccinated child is a collective victory: "It's a source of pride for us, for our work and for our community."
Her commitment shows that trust, built step by step, remains essential to protecting communities.

Finally, her message to parents is simple and direct: "We must show them the importance of vaccination. When they understand, they accept to vaccinate their children to protect them."