Mizoram is one of the states of northeast India, with Aizawl as its capital city. The state faced specific challenges during COVID-19 vaccination implementation, such as low vaccine confidence, fear of illness after getting vaccinated, and lack of awareness of the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination. To mitigate these challenges, the project team conducted strategic outreach to cater to local needs, dispelled misinformation and myths about COVID-19 vaccination, and leveraged the agency of young community ambassadors to become intermediaries of vaccine information for their families and communities.
The project activities were implemented in 7 districts through 3 sub-awardees: TCIF, MFM, 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 conducted demand generation activities in close coordination with community vaccine ambassadors from Bru, Chakma & other religious groups.
through the project’s efforts of persistent door-to-door visits, in-depth counselling sessions, targeted vaccination camps, and IEC materials.
The project identified local influencers from the Young Mizo Association (YMA), faith leaders, village level task force and council members, and health workers to sensitize the community about COVID-19 vaccines.
The project generated awareness about COVID-19 vaccines through traditional folk dance, art performances, street dramas, and youth sports.
A Learning & Experience Sharing Workshop was organized to enable cross-learning among sub-awardees and dissemination of field experiences from the project in Mizoram. The workshop was facilitated by sub-awardee Mission Foundation Movement (MFM) on May 16, 2023, and witnessed key project players including high-level state officials who appreciated project achievement and contributions. Senior state government officials such as the Honorable Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of Mizoram; DHS, Govt. of Mizoram; a representative from USAID/India; JSI team members; and sub-awardees participated in the workshop. During the workshop, knowledge products such as photo stories were launched. The workshop served as a platform to encourage discussions around the need for replication of COVID-19 vaccination efforts for routine immunization strengthening.
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