Wokha, April 17 (MExN): Indian Social Responsibility Network (ISRN) is implementing momentum–routine immunization and transformation equity project on amplifying COVID-19 vaccination in six districts of Nagaland supported by USAID through John Snow India (JSI). The six districts include Wokha, Phek, Kiphire, Peren, Tuensang and Zunheboto.
A DIPR report stated that COVID-19 awareness-cum-vaccination drive was held at Town Hall, Wokha and UPHC Wokha Town while ‘vaccine on wheels’ was organised at Longsa village by Indian Social Responsibility Network (ISRN) on April 14.
The COVID-19 awareness-cum-vaccination drive was visited by Dr Sangita Patel, Director (Health Office) USAID, DC Wokha Orenthung Lotha, Vijay Paulraj, Senior Health System Strength Advisor, USAID, Anuradha Jain, Tech. Advisor, HSS USAID, Delhi, John Snow India (JSI) Team and ISRN Delhi Team, health and medical team.
Interaction session was held with DIO, CMO and Sub Awardees (ISRN) team during lunch at Sarrano Restaurant, Wokha.
Local music band ‘K3M’ and ISRN signed an agreement of partnership for promotion of COVID-19 vaccination program-M-RITE, among their audience specially youths, through their music concerts at the District and State level, to get them mobilized for vaccination.
DIO and CMO shared about the vaccination coverage and challenges faced in the field in vaccine hesitant areas. CMO discussed about the 11 death cases due to COVID-19, out of which nine people were unvaccinated. He also mentioned the achievements of ISRN in the district regarding M-RITE project
Shortage of human resource in the district health department was discussed and mentioned that it is the major challenge in carrying out the vaccination.
DIO stated that with actual headcounts, 50% of eligible population of Wokha is vaccinated, however the eligible population is 83,000, which is less than estimated as per Census 2011 because many people have been migrated to other districts such as Kohima, Dimapur etc.
ISRN shared about the partnership with Serrano Restaurant. Gilbert, owner of Serrano is helping in mobilizing the customers through distributing IEC materials and flyers on COVID-19 awareness and giving privilege to vaccinated people.
During the meeting at Wokha Community Hall and inspection of COVID vaccination session site, certificates were awarded to the three vaccine champions namely- Officer Hill Cultural Troop, Lotha Eloe Hoho and Grace English School for achieving 100% vaccination for 12-14 years and 15-17 age cohorts.
USAID team also interacted with community representatives, beneficiaries and stakeholders who came for the vaccination in the session site at community hall.
Vijay Paulraj, Senior Health System Strength Advisor, USAID stated that challenges can be mitigated through social media, community mobilization approaches, mass media campaign, through IEC strategies to build confidence and spread awareness on SAFE VACCINE and break the misconceptions.
The USAID team interacted with the Community Vaccine Centre (CVC) staff to know the process of COWIN-19 portal registration, vaccination and observation process etc. They also interacted with the students and asked them about how they came to know about the session held in the community hall.
The CVC session site was organized by ISRN team in collaboration with CMO and DIO. Total 119 beneficiaries were vaccinated in the community hall.
Later, the team visited the UPHC Wokha and interacted with the beneficiaries and Health Care Workers in presence of CMO, DIO and MO. IEC materials like selfie booth, banners, posters and leaflets were showcased to the USAID team. 43 beneficiaries were vaccinated at UPHC fixed site.
From UPHC, the team headed to see ‘vaccine on wheel’ activity at Longsa village. The USAID team interacted with vaccinators, ANM, ASHA, Village Council Members, and beneficiaries on overall COVID-19 Vaccination. 52 beneficiaries were vaccinated in Longsa village.
