21st August (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Lokiriama Sub-County health officials, community leaders, and partners convened for a sensitization meeting under the National Vaccines and Immunization Program (NVIP) to review progress, address challenges, and strengthen efforts to reach every child with life-saving vaccines.
Supported by PATH, this meeting placed special focus on upcoming vaccines such as the Malaria vaccine and the extension of the HPV vaccine, alongside the new Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV).
According to Abdirhaman Musa, Lokiriama Medical Officer of Health, the forum was about more than just updates, “We reviewed our sub-county’s immunization performance, discussed global trends, and looked at how to address barriers preventing zero-dose and under-immunized children from accessing vaccines,” he shared.
He explained that together, the stakeholders will explore local innovations to ensure no child is left behind.
Stakeholders were taken through the performance overview, comparing Lokiriama to county targets. Walter Ewoi, Sub-County Health Records Officer, revealed mixed results.
“In the Polio campaign, we reached 97.8% coverage, vaccinating 10,891 children against a target of 11,133. But for Measles Rubella and TCV, coverage was much lower, largely due to insecurity during the campaign, logistical challenges, and pastoralist migration across the Uganda border,” he expounded.
He also shared that overall, Lokiriama ranks among the lowest-performing sub-counties (bottom four), and this is why collective action is critical.
Participants discussed barriers to routine immunization, including distance travelled to facilities, poverty, cultural beliefs, mobility linked to gold mining, and health system gaps such as staffing and cold chain issues.
Tackling vaccine hesitancy was also high on the agenda, with misinformation, myths, and beliefs identified as common reasons for refusal.
Stakeholders agreed that trusted voices like CHPs, teachers, and religious leaders, combined with positive storytelling, are key to countering doubts and building confidence in vaccines.
Maximilah Mana Losuru, Sub-County Health Promotion Officer, stressed the role of partnerships and awareness, stating, “Our stakeholders— including PWDs, administrators, and partners—are crucial in reaching every child. While the community is familiar with previous campaigns, TCV is new and needs stronger engagement,” she said.
She expounded that TCV targets children between 9 months and 14 years, “a group we can not afford to leave behind given how Typhoid continues to pose challengeswoyhin fhe county,”
Innovative strategies proposed to improve coverage included outreach vaccination teams, school-based drives, malaria and nutrition programs, community barazas, and multi-sectoral forums such as Kimormor markets.
Stakeholders agreed that while the sub-county health management team will guide policy and supervision, health workers remain the frontline of service delivery. Community leaders are crucial for mobilization and reducing hesitancy, partners provide technical and financial support, and local administration ensures accountability.
Community voices were also heard. Jane, a local community member shared that, they as mobilizers, are at the frontline, ensuring the people are informed and prepared for ongoing and new vaccination campaigns.
Closing the session, Musa underscored the urgency of unity, highlighting that, “The challenges are real, but so are the solutions. Every sector has a role to play, and together, we can protect our children from preventable diseases.”
