EFFECTIVE MOBILIZATION OF CAREGIVERS AND PARENTS FOR ANTI-MALARIA VACCINATION
It was a splendid day in Douala. Temperatures were mild warm in the early first hours of the morning. The enthusiasm for first anti-malaria vaccination was vivid. Six mothers each with their babies were already eager yet patiently waiting for their turn to get their child vaccinated. “I am here to get my child vaccinated against malaria,” said one mom. Another mom toned happily with a gentle smile, “I was informed by my doctor about the malaria vaccine and that is why I am here today”.
On the other hand, caregivers and medical personnel were rallying, getting ready and preparing every equipment needed for the vaccination. They were as excited as the parents as they got ready to administer this new vaccine for which UNICEF had trained them. Little baby Lauren was privileged to be the first baby to take her first doze of the anti-malaria vaccine in the Littoral region. Carried by her mother, baby Lauren went through a mix of sensations, marked by the cold feeling from alcohol-soaked cotton followed by the pierce of the syringe’s needle which led her to push out a loud cry. Baby Lauren cried out for a good cause. Mama Irene, the administering nurse went ahead to calm down baby Lauren and handed the vaccination card to her mom for follow up until all required doses are fully administered.
Vaccinations were taking place in several other hospitals across the Japoma health district such as Hopital Le salut, Fondation Sacre Coeur, CMA Kembe and Le Salvateur. During this anti malaria roll out vaccination medical personnel privileged interpersonal or one to one communication rather than mass communication. They took out time to explain and encourage mothers not to skip any dose of the vaccine. In the Littoral region 3 districts were chosen for vaccination which are the Japoma, Mbanga and Edea health districts.
UNICEF in support to the Cameroon ministry of Health, the EPI programme and its partners: — GAVI, USAID and WHO, made cry over a thousand children across the country for a very good reason. By receiving the first dose of the anti-malaria, these 6 months-old babies are protected against the number infectious killer in Cameroon and Africa. Cameroon stands proudly as the first African country to deliver the vaccine in routine immunization. This vaccine is the result of 35 years research and represents a significant hope for African children. These children will receive four doses of the vaccine within the interval of six months to two years. A milestone and a challenge, the country will have to scale up this routine immunization against malaria to reach out all six months to under five children in the country. UNICEF counts on the generous support of its donors to support Cameroon in this endeavor. For every child, vaccines, and good health.
Story written by Elisa Bakong, intern PAC, Douala
