Engaging social mobilizers for COVID-19 vaccination

The first case of COVID-19 was recorded in Guinea on March 12, 2020. To combat this disease, UNICEF is supporting the Guinean government in its fight against COVID-19 through the involvement of social mobilizers. In addition, vaccination against COVID-19 is gradually being integrated into routine immunization programmes in certain regions of the country.

Social mobilizers play an important role in community-based surveillance of diseases with epidemic potential. They go from house to house providing information on prevention and vaccination against COVID-19, detecting cases and referring them to the nearest health facility for treatment.

Élisabeth, Head of the Kokota Health Center in Nzérékoré Prefecture, says that thanks to the commitment of the vaccination teams and social mobilizers, between 45 and 60 people are vaccinated against COVID-19 on busy days at the health center.

"The social mobilizers mobilize people by informing them of the availability of COVID-19 vaccine at the health center. They also remind people who need to take their 2nd or 3rd dose to go to the nearest health center or health post."

"We sensitize and mobilize the community on the importance of immunization, antenatal care, exclusive breastfeeding, and good hygiene practices such as hand washing. We also encourage them to build latrines in each concession to prevent open defecation. We also mobilize our communities during vaccination campaigns," says Nyankoye, a social mobilizer in Kokota.

The rural community of Kokota has 5 health posts that provide daily vaccinations against COVID-19. In addition, mobile vaccination teams are used to vaccinate people in districts where there are no health posts. With support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), UNICEF is helping the Guinean government fight COVID-19 and promote access to immunization services.