Manipur is a state in northeast India, with the city of Imphal as its capital. It is bounded by the state of Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south, and Assam to the west. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state faced several challenges such as a lack of community engagement for vaccination, a lack of awareness of COVID-19 vaccination, and vaccine hesitancy. The project team addressed these barriers to vaccination by conducting community engagement activities such as miking and community dialogues; supporting the translation of IEC materials to local dialects, and sharing accurate information about COVID-19 vaccination in communities.
The project activities were implemented in 10 districts through 2 sub-awardees: TCIF, CASA
To increase the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination, the project supports the Government of India and the state Government in vaccination planning, inter-departmental coordination, need-based monitoring, enhanced community engagement, and prioritization of activities for COVID-19 vaccination programs at the state and district. The team led risk communication activities with the state officials and coordinated efforts to enhance vaccination in low-coverage areas.
The project and the state strengthened religious leaders, village influencers and parents’ skills to help them understand the importance of vaccination and be able to dispel misinformation about the vaccine.
The project collaborated closely with community leaders, youth group leaders, faith-based organizations, and community-based institutions in regions where people are reluctant for vaccinations to mobilize them for vaccination.
Manipur Aids Control Society (MACS) reached out to people living with HIV for COVID-19 vaccination.
The project helped disseminate immunization related IEC materials in local dialects through traditional and social media to generate awareness about immunization.
Project team Manipur took the opportunity to highlight the contribution made by women in making the COVID-19 vaccination drive a success in the state of Manipur. State Health Society, NHM Manipur, and Directorate of Family Welfare Services, Manipur with the support of the project, celebrated International Women’s Day 2022 by honoring the Women Champions who have been a driving force behind the COVID-19 vaccination. The women champions were nominated from all 16 districts and those working at the state level. These women, from field-level workers to an official at the district and state levels, have contributed significantly to promoting vaccination/increased the uptake of vaccination/ worked on removing demand or supply side barriers/ played the role of community influencer/vaccine champion.
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