ZRCS ENHANCES VACCINE ACCEPTANCE THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND TRAINING INITIATIVES IN LUAPULA PROVINCE

In support of the government's efforts to enhance sustainable risk communication and community engagement for promoting vaccine acceptance and immunization in rural areas, Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) is implementing the Saving Lives and Livelihoods (SLL) project. As part of this initiative, health workers in three districts of Luapula province are receiving training to enhance their skills at the district level. The goal is to help them effectively plan, implement, and monitor Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization (ACSM) strategies. This training aims to increase immunization rates, tackle vaccine hesitancy, and boost community involvement in routine immunization efforts

The target districts are Samfya, Mansa, and Nchelenge, where 120 health workers from various health centers are being trained in effective communication skills. This training aims to tackle vaccine hesitancy and misinformation in the communities. Additionally, these health workers will plan and implement social mobilization activities to increase immunization rates. They will also monitor and evaluate these activities to ensure continuous improvement.

This is part of the SLL project, whose goal is to strengthen Africa's ability to respond to future epidemics and pandemics. The project is funded by the Mastercard Foundation through the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).