By Nnedinma Michael
Red Cross has been at
the forefront of vaccination efforts globally, working tirelessly to increase access to life- saving vaccines.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation emphasised the need for extraordinary steps to boost vaccine accessibility.
They employed innovative approaches, such as animation, to spread awareness and encouraged people to get vaccinated.
One notable initiative was the Red Cross’s commitment to helping vaccination efforts amid a global slide in vaccine uptake.
They focused on reaching vulnerable populations, including children, youths, people with disabilities, among others.
Speaking on “Saving Lives and Livelihood Skill ( SLL) Project, carried for six months, the Anambra State Branch Secretary, Engr. Kingsley Nonso Okoye, said the Nigeria Red Cross Society’s effort to promote integrated vaccine intake in Anambra State, was funded by Mastercard, through African CDC.
“The project’s approach to capacity building, community engagement and sensitisation is commendable, especially involving mothers, people with disabilities and youths in promoting vaccine awareness. The focus on integrated vaccine intake addresses misconceptions and emphasising the benefits of vaccination is crucial in improving pubic health,” he concluded.
He stated that the organisation has engaged in working with local partners, such as primary health care, training healthcare workers and community members to effectively promote and administer vaccine, educating mothers, partnering with media outlets to amplify the message and reach a broader audience, sensitising people to take all recommended vaccines, rather than just one or two.
He stated further that the organisation engaged in house-to-house approach, confidential counselling and education sessions to personally engage with the
community members, including advocacy meetings with various agencies, groups and community leaders to encourage vaccine intake, community outreach in organising campaigns, posting handbills, leveraging church gatherings to disseminate information, designing programmes to educate students about vaccination, focusing on community- level mobilisation to promote vaccine awarness and uptake, among others.
