Chhattisgarh, June 16, 2023:
The MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity Project, supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), commemorates the achievements of the vaccination campaign in Chhattisgarh. The Project along with local non-governmental organizations like SAMARTHAN, Transport Corporation of India(TCI) Foundation, HelpAge India, Shanta Memorial Rehabilitation Center(SMRC), The Leprosy Mission Trust India (TLMTI) played a crucial role to build vaccine confidence amongst priority groups.
The global outbreak of the pandemic had a significant impact on communities worldwide, with marginalized populations like Tribal, particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTG), transgender, pregnant, and lactating women, etc. facing particularly severe consequences. Among these vulnerable groups were pregnant and lactating women in low-resource settings, who faced unique health challenges for both themselves and their infants. Despite the obstacles, ASHAs, ANMs, and Anganwadi workers played a vital role in mobilizing these women, ensuring their timely completion of vaccination doses. Additionally, the team established COVID-19 vaccination camps in both urban and rural areas of Chhattisgarh to ensure comprehensive vaccination coverage among the elderly population within the community.
Engagement with school groups played an important role as change agents in the COVID-19 vaccination drive. The traditional game of ‘Snake and Ladder’ was customized with COVID-19 messaging. This creative representation of positive vaccine messaging leads to increased vaccine confidence. NSS volunteers from government schools demonstrated their dedication by conducting door-to-door campaigns, actively engaging communities, and promoting awareness about the COVID-19 vaccine.
On the success of the campaign, Dr. Gopal K. Soni, Project Director, of Momentum Routine Immunization Transformation & Equity Project said “The vaccination campaign against COVID-19 in Chhattisgarh showcased an exceptional level of commitment from the state government, project team, and vaccinators who went above and beyond to ensure that vaccination reached high-risk and underserved communities. Through the implementation of innovative approaches such as door-to-door visits, informative sessions, and the establishment of a user-friendly model COVID-19 vaccination center, we have made remarkable progress in prioritizing the vaccination of vulnerable populations. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Chhattisgarh State Government and USAID for providing us with the opportunity to support and augment the state government's endeavors in the COVID-19 vaccination drive.”
Highlighting one of the unique interventions from the state Mr. Devidas Kisan Nimje, Senior Programme Manager, Samarthan shared“The City Level Federation (CLF) group is comprised of women from Self Help Groups (SHG)s of the community. CLF actively worked on linking with govt schemes, livelihood activities, WASH, etc. The project team collaborated with the community groups along with CLF and prepared a detailed implementation plan. They conducted door-to-door visits and held community meetings for the identification of left out & dropout COVID-19 beneficiaries and for building confidence amongst the beneficiaries toward COVID-19 vaccination. Through regular follow-ups and leveraging the local festivals to engage with the community effectively, the vaccination reach was enhanced within districts.”
The Project partnered with local change agents such as influencers from the transgender community, existing networks such as women’s helpline number, Child Rights Commissionlocal PRI leaders, and others to mobilize communities and reach to most vulnerable groups. 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.
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