Varu School and community combine together for the Immunization awareness presented by DGIP Project Officer, Mr Patteson Seama. Photo supplied by Project Team.
The Demand Generation for Immunization Project (DGIP) in the Solomon Islands has begun its community immunisation awareness campaign in Schools and Community across Kolobangara Island in the Western Province (WP).
The schools are: Varu Adventist Primary School (VAPS) and Patupaele Adventist Secondary School (PASS). The community also got their awareness on Immunization such as Poporo Community, Titiana Community and Hambere Community which are all located in North Kolombangara Island.
The immunization awareness campaign took place at these schools and communities between the 31st of March and 4th of April 2025.
The DGIP was funded by UNICEF and implemented by ADRA in Solomon Islands across three islands in the Western Province namely Roviana Lagoon, South Vella La Vella, and Kolombangara Islands. The project commenced in January 2025 and will conclude in September 2025.
The aimed of DGIP project was to strengthening coordination and capacity-building for healthcare workers in immunization and community engagement; Schools, Rural Health Units, and mobilizing religious leaders to advocate for immunization, expanding outreach programs to reach remote and underserved communities with essential health services and ensuring effective and efficient program management.
Topic shared during the awareness at these schools and communities are mainly on The Schedules of immunization, itβs importance and benefit. Why do we need our babies to get vaccines and What are common sickness that the vaccines protect.
Also, topic on Human PapillomaVirus(HPV) for girls between age 9-14yrs why it is important for girls to get vaccine was shared to schools and community.
DGIP Project Manager, Sharon Kele said the awareness was very successful and fruitful to the schools and the communities.
βThere is also a good amount of time given for students and communities to ask questions. There are also FAQ where presenters need to have answers prepare for themβ
βCommunity champions have helped in presentations since they are health professionals who have worked in the areas of women. They have shared their experiences to communities and schools in which have given individuals to hear real life experiences, βMs Kele said.
She added that during the awareness communities have convinced to establish their health committees in the villages.
βWe encouraged them to start activating Health Committees in communities. A lot of health committees have done minimal for their villagesβ
βThis program had empowered village leaders and health committee leaders to put more activity for their village so that they can involve people and promote healthy and hygiene in their community,ββ DGIP PM said.
Meanwhile next immunisation awareness has been scheduled for communities and schools in North Vella La Vella.
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-ADRA_SI
