Reducing Vaccine Hesitancy in Sindh through Successful Mobilization Efforts

The village Yousif Jat located in UC Kothi, Taluka Jati, District Sujawal has a population of 300 residents including young children. The primary sources of livelihood for the villagers include farming and fishing. The community grapples with several challenges, notably limited access to crucial services such as health, electricity, clean drinking water and education. The sole primary school in the village is non-functional. Before the intervention of MERF on 10^th August 2023, the overall hygienic conditions in the village were unsatisfactory. The community was largely not practicing the health and hygiene practices, breastfeeding, and intake diversified diet due to lack of awareness contributing to issues such as malnutrition, challenges in infant and young child feeding, and the prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

The outreach workers of MERF visited this remote village and initiated an effort to promote vaccination through education, awareness, and a culturally sensitive approach, in collaboration with community leaders. Mothers-to-Mothers Support Group (MTMSG) and Fathers-to-Fathers Support Group (FTFSG) were established, and an orientation session was conducted to sensitize them about importance of maintaining hygienic conditions, causes of malnutrition, benefits of vaccination and balanced diet.

25 females (mothers/caregivers of young children) participated in session. The social mobilizers of MERF screened children under 5-years-old and Pregnant and lactating women with the support of MTMSG.

Initially the residents of the village were reluctant about getting the vaccination done due to certain prevalent myths e.g. some community members expressed concerns, citing past experiences where children fell ill or, tragically, a child had passed away after receiving a vaccine many years ago. Consequently, they had decided to avoid vaccination. The team addressed these concerns by explaining that post-vaccination fever is a normal and positive response, and there is no risk of mortality due to vaccines. It is merely a misconception. The team extensively briefed the community on the manifold benefits of vaccination. Eventually, all community members reached a consensus in favor of vaccination. On the scheduled date, the team, along with the vaccinator, visited the village and initiated the vaccination process which is continued till date.

MERF’s intervention in Yousif Jat successfully addressed critical health challenges through community engagement and education. The formation of support groups and strategic dialogues played a pivotal role in dispelling misconceptions about vaccination, leading to the successful registration and immunization of 29 children and 9 Pregnant and Lactating Women. The initiative not only improved health practices but also fostered a positive community behavior.

Vaccinating children of village Yousif Jat “We are thankful to the MERF team for their impactful intervention in Yousif Jat. The successful vaccination initiative, coupled with the team’s dedication and persistence, has helped in overcoming resistance towards vaccination and fostering a sense of ownership among us.” quoted a resident of the village.

The success of the vaccination initiative underscores the importance of community involvement, targeted education and persistent efforts in advancing healthcare in underserved communities.