COVAX vaccines raise hope for economic recovery in Bali
As COVID-19 vaccinations increase in Bali, communities look ahead to a pandemic recovery.
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Bali, Indonesia – Badung Regency covers the most heavily populated tourist areas in Bali, including Kuta, Nusa Dua and Jimbaran. At one point last year, occupancy rates fell to 3 per cent at some hotels, while restaurants and other tourist spots had to close or drastically reduce staff. Those lucky enough to keep their jobs usually had their salaries cut.
“Almost 99 per cent of working adults in Jimbaran village are employed in the tourism sector. It has been very difficult for families," says Nyoman Mariana, Head of Community Empowerment in Jimbaran.
“We hope the vaccine and health protocols will help ensure the area is safe and residents can eventually return to work full-time and provide for their children,” he adds.
Ketut Rimbawan, the village head of Jimbaran, says that while most residents are now enthusiastic about the vaccine, it wasn’t always that way.
“In the beginning, some people in our community were afraid of getting vaccinated. There was quite a bit of misinformation in the media about the vaccine and some people were just afraid of needles. But once they saw their neighbours getting vaccinated, they grew more confident,” he says.
A “gala” vaccination drive
The villages in Bali play a key role in organizing the vaccinations. They provide names of residents who are eligible and coordinate with the health department. In Jimbaran, Ketut Rimbawan and his team also secured a prime location for their latest vaccination drive.
More than 700 people, mostly hotel and tourism workers, were vaccinated in a hotel ballroom in one morning.
“We have special mobile units that transport the vaccine to locations throughout Badung and 600 health workers who manage the vaccination drives,” says Dr Wayan Darta, Head of Public Health in Badung Regency.
Gede Sukerta, a butler at a local resort, received his second dose at the hotel and is feeling optimistic as more people in his community are vaccinated and follow public health protocols.
“I heard about the vaccine in the media and then was told I could get mine. I had no hesitation, I was very enthusiastic,” he says.
“I hope this vaccine helps the economy bounce back. I have two sons and I want to give them a good life.”
UNICEF and partners are making COVID-19 vaccines available to countries across the world, including Indonesia, through COVAX - an international scheme to provide fair access to vaccines.