In 2020, the MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity Project was entrusted to John Snow India Private Limited (JSIPL) by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of efficient health service delivery and maintaining an equity-focused lens while working with underserved groups.With rapid spread of the COVID-19, the remotely located rural areas became high-risk zones. Challenges prevalent in the state were most people had fears and doubts about the side effects of the vaccine, pregnant and lactating women were difficult to convince and many linked the vaccine to infertility, irregular menstruation, and child delivery complications. The MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Project identified these challenges, conducted intensive community engagement activities, and used innovative techniques to address these barriers and challenges.
The project activities were implemented in 11 districts through 2 sub-awardees: TCIF, ISRN
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 the local tribes and 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 and Experience Sharing meeting was organized to provide an ideal platform for donor organization, implementing organization , State Government and the MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity project to discuss, share and take forward the learning and experiences of the project in Nagaland and Meghalaya, implemented by Indian Social Responsibility Network with the support of John Snow India Private Limited to strengthen health system and mobilize the communities for positive health seeking behavior through collaborative approaches and partnerships. The main highlight of the event was the Digital Launch of the Coffee Table book – Nagaland by Chief Guest Madam Asangla Imti NCS, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland and the book launch “Journey of Success – Footprints of MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity project” in Nagaland & Meghalaya.
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