The Demand Generation for Immunisation Project (DGIP) has commenced a community immunisation awareness campaign across schools and communities on Kolombangara Island, Western Province, Solomon Islands.
From March 31 to April 4, the DGIP team visited Varu Adventist Primary School, Patupaele Adventist Secondary School, and the communities of Poporo, Titiana, and Hambere—all located on North Kolombangara Island. The awareness sessions focused on educating participants about the importance, schedule and benefits of immunisation.
The DGIP initiative is funded by UNICEF and implemented by ADRA Solomon Islands. It targets three locations in the Western Province: Roviana Lagoon, South Vella La Vella and Kolombangara. The project, which began in January, will run through to September.
The program aims to strengthen coordination and capacity-building among healthcare workers, engage schools and rural health units, mobilise religious leaders as advocates for immunisation, and expand outreach to remote and underserved communities. Effective program management and the activation of local health committees are also key components.
Topics covered during the awareness sessions included:
- The national immunisation schedule and its importance
- Common diseases that vaccines help prevent
- The need to vaccinate babies and young children
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for girls aged 9–14 and its importance
DGIP project manager Sharon Kele described the awareness campaign as both “successful and fruitful”.
“There is also a good amount of time given for students and communities to ask questions,” Ms Kele said. “Community 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.”
Ms Kele noted that the campaign has inspired several communities to revive or establish their local health committees.
“This program has empowered village leaders and health committee leaders to put [in] more activity for their village so that they can involve people and promote health and hygiene in their community,” she said.
The next round of immunisation awareness is scheduled to take place in North Vella La Vella.
