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/
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