Social Mobilization
A key part to achieving success of measles campaigns is to make sure that every at-risk child in the target population receives the vaccine. It is important that every mother or caretaker in a particular district understands the need for children to be vaccinated. Social mobilization includes many different tactics. Banners, brochures, posters are distributed weeks before the vaccination weekend. Plays are put on in the center of the village that emulate the vaccination process and the harm that could come to a child if he or she is not vaccinated. Schoolchildren create songs, have parades and encourage their peers to make sure they receive the potential life-saving jab.
During some campaigns, Red Cross workers recruit volunteers within the communities that will host campaigns, educate and train them on the process of vaccination, and give them the resources they need to carry out their mission. Resources may include costumes to put on plays, Red Cross vests for identification, brochures, money for the volunteers' lunches, posters and banners.
Families here have a lot of challenges in their lives other than the health of their children. We are very grateful to Red Cross for doing social mobilization - it is the best way to get children vaccinated," said Dr. Andrew Namonyo, district director of health services in Pallisa district, Uganda.
Youth also mobilize to spread the immunization message. Schoolchildren learn 'measles songs' from their teachers; teachers tell the children to bring their younger siblings to get immunized; children march through the streets in parades, holding up signs and singing to let all households know about the importance of vaccination.
Volunteers make every effort to reach each child
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Myths, folktales and anti-vaccine sentiment about measles
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Social mobilization in Uganda through plays, music
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Hear the lyrics to one of the many 'measles songs'
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