MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Project hosts successful Learning and Experience Sharing Meeting

The event highlighted grassroots efforts to maximize the reach of and access to the Covid-19 Vaccine

Nagaland, June 28, 2023:

The Momentum Routine Immunization Transformation & Equity project, in collaboration with the local NGO partner ISRN, successfully conducted the "Learning and Experience Sharing Meeting" acknowledging the efforts of the project in successfully reaching the most challenging and remote areas with COVID-19 vaccinations. The experience-sharing event saw the presence of distinguished guests from the Government and other development partners. The event included voices from the community, a photo gallery walk, and panel discussions on learnings of COVID-19 vaccination.

“The global pandemic had a profound impact on communities worldwide, with marginalized communities being disproportionately affected. However, in Nagaland, the COVID-19 vaccination campaign witnessed an inspiring level of commitment from state teams and the local workforce, as they went above and beyond to ensure that high-risk and underserved communities were prioritized for vaccination. Through a collaborative approach, the Government of Nagaland, in partnership with the project, actively engaged local community members, education departments, and non-governmental organizations. Together, they worked tirelessly to disseminate pro-vaccine messaging and encourage greater vaccine acceptance, particularly among the tribal groups residing in the state. This collective effort aimed to bridge the information gap and increase vaccine uptake among these communities,” said Smt. Asangla Imti, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland.

On the success of the vaccination drive, Dr. G.K. Soni, Project Director, Momentum Routine Immunization Transformation & Equity Project said, “Through our joint efforts, we have achieved significant milestones in COVID-19 vaccination, prioritizing the immunization of vulnerable populations in Nagaland. Through this collaborative initiative, we achieved significant milestones in COVID-19 vaccination, ensuring that vulnerable populations in Nagaland are vaccinated. By leveraging innovative strategies like persistent door-to-door visits, Sunday vaccination camps, engaging faith-based leaders and easy access vaccination camp setups, the project remains committed to building sustainable, resilient, communities. We express our gratitude to the Nagaland State Government and USAID for giving us the opportunity to support and enhance the state government's efforts in COVID-19 vaccination.”

Mr. Santosh Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Indian Social Responsibility Network 

“The COVID-19 immunization campaign in Nagaland and Meghalaya showcased an exceptional level of commitment from the project team and vaccinators, who made extensive efforts to guarantee that vaccination reached high-risk and underserved communities. The project collaborated with community leaders to engage with vaccine-hesitant communities. Additionally, vaccination centers were established within the villages to ensure convenient access for women, including those who were pregnant or nursing, as well as the elderly and people located at tribal belts who encountered challenges in traveling long distances for their vaccine doses. Moreover, project representatives regularly reached out via phone calls to remind individuals of their upcoming vaccination dates.”

The Project partnered with local change agents such as community leaders, local NGOs, and others to mobilize communities. The Project complemented the efforts of the State Government to maximize reach, build vaccine confidence, and increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake among vulnerable and marginalized population groups. The collaborative efforts have ensured that people in the state are completely aware of and realize the importance of COVID-19 vaccination.

About MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity Project 

MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity Project, supported by USAID, has mandated John Snow Research & Training Institute (JSI) to provide technical assistance to National and State Governments to ramp up COVID-19 Vaccination in India. John Snow India Pvt Ltd, an affiliate of JSI US is working in close collaboration with the Government of India to strengthen their outreach and delivery efforts with communities for vaccination; and through partnerships with local NGOs to increase demand, distribution, and uptake of COVID-19 vaccination, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized populations across selected 18 states/UTs of India.

About John Snow India (JSI)

Over the last three decades, JSI has partnered with India’s government, private sector, international development partners, and community leaders to strengthen the health system and improve the overall health of India’s population. JSI leverages its global expertise for implementing complex public health programs at scale to provide ongoing support for India’s efforts across Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCH), Nutrition, TB, Routine Immunization etc. They have been given the mandate by MoHFW for increasing COVID-19 Vaccination uptake across 18 states in India. To know more Website: https://www.jsi.com/location/india/