Immunization is a proven strategy for reducing morbidity and mortality among children. Uganda has specifically accomplished greatly on enhancing its routine immunization (RI) system. However, despite the achievements, the coverage is uneven and equity in access to vaccination remains a challenge for children under the age of 5. A large number of children were unimmunized, unreached and under-immunized, due to different circumstances. (Family Health Days program, January 17, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.).
Andrua Gloria a CGV in Block 4 Bidi-Bidi refugee settlement followed up Bidal Micheal, a 5-year-old boy who had never attended any Immunization. Upon probing, Celina Bunia the grandmother said that she feared being embarrassed by the health workers.
“We came from South Sudan when my grandson was two years old. We had already missed the first Immunization schedule, I feared going to the Health facility because I thought the nurses would blame me for not bringing the child early for immunization.”- Celina Bunia
The CGV counseled the caretaker on the benefits of Immunization and escorted them to the health facility where they were warmly welcomed by the health workers who administered the first dose of BCG & HepB and the child finished his fifth visit by 3rd.12.2020.
Celina recaps, “I am happy that my grandson is now fully immunized like other children, all thanks to Gloria.”
A lot more children like Bidal have reportedly benefitted from CGV’s follow-ups. Thus, the CGVs are doing all it takes to reach the unreached and under-immunized children in the refugee settlement.
