11 Years of Transforming Health Solutions

About Karnataka

Karnataka is the 7th largest state in India in terms of area. With high diversity in terms of geography and culture, the state faced distinctive challenges during COVID-19 vaccination implementation. The project team faced challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, complacency, inability to attend vaccination camps due to work timings, fear of adverse events following vaccination, and myths and misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccination. To address these, the project team collaborated with Gram Panchayats for social mobilization and awareness generation, supported the setting up of vaccination camps at workplaces, dispelled myths and misconceptions, and instituted peer supporters and youth ambassadors.

Sub-Awardees Working in Karnataka

The project activities were implemented in 23 districts through 3 sub-awardees: TCIF, HelpAge India, KHPT

Key strategies adapted by the state

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.

01

Engaging specific industries.

The project engaged Truckers Associations, Industrial Associations, Mining Laborers, the Forest Department, and Factory workers to increase awareness and build vaccine confidence.

02

Addressing low demand.

The project developed mitigations plans to address high COVID-19 vaccine stock and low demand for the vaccine, and enhanced demand generation efforts.

03

Vaccinating young people.

The project organized Jatha programs involving school children, SDMC and teachers.

04

Collaborating with stakeholders.

The project worked closely with community leaders, NGOs, the National Service Scheme, Nehru Yuva Sangathan Kendra, and the education department to increase awareness and build vaccine confidence.

Empowering Health, Bridging Equity: Vaccinating India's Future

The strategic intervention of the project has been captured through strategic documentation of the key interventions. The stories below highlight the same:

The video documentation covers the major interventions of the project.

Partnerships & Learnings

Learning & Experience Sharing Workshop

The project team organized a Learning & Experience Sharing Workshop in Karnataka under the guidance of the state government with sub-awardee KHPT on June 27, 2023. The sub-awardees in the state presented their work and shared their learnings and field experiences. The workshop saw the participation of key project stakeholders including senior government officials, the JSIPL team, and sub-awardees. A booklet of success stories on COVID-19 vaccination and impact in the state was released during the workshop.

The workshop encouraged discussions around leveraging learnings from COVID-19 vaccination for routine immunization strengthening.