Triumph in Community Vaccination at Chama District, Zambia

In the heart of Chama District in Zambia’s eastern province, the Vaccination Action Project (VAN), supported by The Rockefeller Foundation, has been diligently combating the spread of COVID-19 while integrating its activities into routine essential healthcare services. Among the facilities supported by Amref, Buli Health Facility stands as a beacon of success, showcasing the power of community engagement and collaboration in overcoming vaccine hesitancy.

At Buli Health Facility, a pivotal moment unfolded when an expecting couple, deeply entrenched in fear and misinformation, adamantly refused to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Their concerns centred around the perceived risks of the vaccine to their unborn child, and fears of miscarriage, and potential fertility problems.  Despite the tireless efforts of Community-Based Volunteers (CBVs) to educate them, the couple remained hesitant.

However, a turning point came when a meeting was convened, bringing together influential community figures, including the village headman and church leaders. During this gathering, one CBV received their second vaccine dose, and a facility staff member took their booster shot in the couple’s presence. This demonstration, coupled with the influential leaders’ support, helped dispel myths and emphasise the vaccine benefits. Through this collaborative effort, the couple finally agreed to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, marking a significant victory in the fight against vaccine hesitancy.

 “As an expectant couple, we feared the negative side effects that the COVID-19 vaccine would have on our unborn baby, such as miscarriage and infertility for my husband. We heard stories about vaccinated individuals becoming magnetic. However, even after getting vaccinated while expecting our baby, we had a successful delivery of a healthy baby. This dispelled all the myths in our community, and we have now become a point of reference for other families, especially those of childbearing age,” shared the couple.

(The initially hesitant couple receiving their COVID-19 vaccination. The wife is standing while waiting for the husband to receive his vaccine)

Building upon this momentum, CBVs extended discussions to other vital vaccinations, particularly cholera. Leveraging the presence of influential community leaders, they emphasised the importance of preventive measures such as maintaining good hygiene alongside vaccination. This collective effort swiftly discredited misconceptions surrounding both COVID-19 and cholera vaccines, paving the way for a significant increase in vaccinations within the Buli catchment area.

The impact of these efforts has been profound. Not only has Buli Health Facility witnessed a remarkable COVID-19 vaccination coverage, but the community has also remained resilient against cholera outbreaks, with zero recorded cases. This success story underscores the power of community engagement, collaboration, and informed leadership in overcoming vaccine hesitancy and promoting public health.

Through the dedication of the VAN project and the unwavering commitment of community stakeholders, Buli Health Facility serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when communities unite in the face of adversity, safeguarding the health and well-being of all.

Author: Joseph Kulanguluka, Vision Outreach. Zambia.