In Tulear, in the heart of two flagship activities to strengthen vaccination.
In the south-west of Madagascar, taking inspiration from model mothers like Francia and the unfailing commitment of Hélène - social mobiliser – help raise awareness about vaccination.
The big catch-up immunization is in full swing in Madagascar. To reach every target up to the last mile, Francia, a model mom and vaccination champion, and Hélène – a committed social mobiliser – play crucial roles.
Francia, a 26-year-old mother, is a member of the ‘model mothers’ club with 82 other mothers. This organization was established to support the primary health centres in promoting routine vaccination of children as well as COVID-19 vaccination. Francia and all other mothers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and their children have all completed their vaccination schedule. “Our role is to voluntarily motivate our peers to adhere to vaccination and reassure them of the benefits thereof for better health. We also answer questions from parents and share our experiences of having our children vaccinated,” she says. “My children are my priority, and I find comfort in knowing that they are protected from disease. Seeing my children sick would be unbearable for me, that’s why I do not hesitate to support other parents in accessing available health care,” added Francia while talking about her motivations to join the ranks of model mothers.
Francia – figurehead of vaccination in her village – is walking the streets and going door-to-door to talk with parents about the benefits of vaccination. The visits are intensified during campaign periods, especially those for polio vaccination or integrated campaigns. “I saw an increase in the number of children vaccinated at the health centre, with a total of 12 women referred by Francia and a total of eight children vaccinated. We also received many visits from mothers who came for vaccinations or useful information,” says Evahangy Jeannie Delphine, the head of the Basic Health Centre.
The establishment of a club of model mothers who are vaccination champions enhances the generation of demand for routine childhood vaccinations and COVID-19 vaccines. More specifically, it is intended to promote the right action of mothers for the sake of their health and that of their child in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. Through their dedication and tenacity, the role models have been able to convince many parents to vaccinate their children. Mothers book appointments following the recommendation of some model moms who are among their acquaintances.
This proximity is the best asset of Francia and Hélène – social mobiliser – because it allows community members to pay attention to their messages.
Hélène, 52, has spent most of her life raising awareness in her community about the importance of health, especially for mothers and children. She joined the ranks of community workers in 2000 and her hard work and expertise have made her an iconic figure in successive immunization campaigns. In her village of Betania, she goes to meet the communities with Brianna, her 12-month-old grand-daughter. “Every awareness-raising is an opportunity to save lives and improve the quality of life in the community. I hope that every child will grow up healthy and every mother will receive the care they need,” she says.
Indeed, there are many cases of refusal and Hélène is committed to the mission of convincing parents of the importance of vaccination. ‘Acting with joy and perseverance, even when ridiculed or insulted’, is her leitmotif. Every smile, every nice word can make a difference. Trust is earned through patience and understanding. She also uses her network of contacts to get positive support and testimonials. “The key to successful immunization is the commitment and active participation of each family. Education is key in explaining the benefits of vaccination and the importance of following the vaccination schedule,” she says.
Social mobiliser work is not a long-term job, but she believes that every effort counts. For her, the satisfaction comes from knowing that it helps eradicate a devastating disease and protect future generations.
