UVRI-IAVI PAM Project Progress Report

Project Launch

The UVRI-IAVI HIV Vaccine Program received funding from IMPRINT network to promote maternal and childhood vaccination among Fishing Communities (FCs) along Lake Victoria. The project commenced with a launch at Koome Sub-County, where all key stakeholders from Mukono and Wakiso Districts are located. The objectives below and how they are to be reached were shared.

1. Determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices towards maternal and childhood vaccines among people living in FCs of Lake Victoria.
2. Raise awareness of maternal and childhood vaccines among people in FCs of Lake Victoria.
3. Determine level of knowledge of HIV vaccines research among people living in FCs.
4. Train Village Health Teams (VHTs) and secondary school students on assessing vaccination status for maternal and childhood vaccines and equip them with vaccination knowledge.

It was a colorful and successful launch that attracted 120 attendees including 43 women. Key stakeholders from different nearby communities were present such as District Health Teams, health service providers, Village Health Team members and political and non-political leaders at all levels. Among the service providers represented, Koome Health Center 1V, Makerere Walter Reed Project, Nsazi Health centre 11 and Wagagai Health center attended the launch.

The UVRI-IAVI team extended their gratitude to the community for always sharing community challenges and concerns. Without such information, funds from IMPRINT network would not be at hand, in particular for hard to reach areas such as FCS. Reasons why mothers/girls should be vaccinated were shared and the objectives of the study were reemphasized. Attendees were excited and showed interest in the study. It was suggested during the launch that the frequency of community health outreaches should be increased. The meeting was crowned with a vote of thanks to all those that attended by the host, Sub-County Chief of Koome.

Inception meeting with students

The UVRI-IAVI introduced the project to the school student leaders and teachers and asked them to be part of the initiative. This includes sensitizing communities and fellow students on maternal and childhood immunization through drama and role plays in collaboration with Wagagayi Health center 11. The request was warmly accepted and support offered.

Next steps

We are awaiting protocol approval to initiate a major sensitization effort through community radios, community meetings and by administering questionnaires.

Conclusion

The project kicked off as expected and successfully. The communities are excited about the project and very much willing to support it.