STRENGTHENING IMMUNIZATION: THE IMPACT OF IPC-I PROJECT IN MBOZI 

STRENGTHENING IMMUNIZATION: THE IMPACT OF IPC-I PROJECT IN MBOZI 

Miraji Omary, the Coordinator of Vaccination at Mbozi District Council, has witnessed a transformative shift in immunization coverage following the implementation of the IPC-I project in Songwe region, implemented by Amref Tanzania with support from UNICEF. The initiative aimed to address gaps in childhood vaccinations, particularly among underserved communities. “Before IPC-I project, there were significant numbers of children who had not completed their vaccination schedules,” Miraji Omary explains. “With the intervention of IPC-I project,  we successfully vaccinated most children who were previously missed.” The project also supported establishment of 16 new outreach points, enabling the vaccination of even more children.

Key to this success were the Community Health Workers (CHWs), described as frontline heroes in community healthcare. Trained specifically in effective communication and outreach, CHWs played a crucial role alongside health facility workers in ensuring that vaccinations reached every child in need. “Improving communication between communities and vaccination providers was paramount.” 

Miraji emphasizes. “The training provided under IPC-I project significantly enhanced our ability to engage caregivers and ensure timely vaccinations.” The project trained a total of 40 staff members from 100 health facilities and empowered 158 CHWs within Mbozi District Council. Despite these efforts, challenges emerged due to the disparity between the number of trained CHWs and the vast coverage area comprising 266 neighborhoods. “Each CHW often covered more than two neighborhoods, resulting in a heavy workload,” Miraji Omary acknowledges. “To sustain and expand our achievements, we urgently need additional CHWs to meet the growing demand and ensure comprehensive coverage.”

The appeal for increased CHWs shows the critical need for continued support to maintain vaccination momentum and prevent lapses in healthcare delivery. Miraji Omary expresses gratitude for the backing provided by the IPC-I project, highlighting its instrumental role in enhancing vaccination efficiency across the municipality. “Amref Tanzania, supported by UNICEF, has been instrumental in driving this initiative forward,” Miraji acknowledges. “Their partnership has not only strengthened our healthcare workforce but also ensured that every child in Mbozi receives essential vaccinations.” 

In conclusion, the IPC-I project stands as a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in improving public health outcomes. Through strategic training and robust community engagement, Mbozi District has made significant strides towards achieving universal immunization coverage, laying a foundation for healthier futures among its youngest residents.