|
House-to-house: Indonesia protects 13 million children against measles
By Zach Abraham, Communications Delegate in Indonesia for the American Red Cross
Friday, March 16, 2007 — Java, Indonesia, February 28, 2007—Outside a cul-de-sac of small, grey houses stands Wuri, a social mobilization officer for the Indonesian Red Cross (known locally as Palang Merah Indonesia or PMI). Wuri, 28, is part of a team that goes house-to-house, looking for children that have not been vaccinated for measles.
A young girl receives a measles vaccination at a health clinic in Demak, Indonesia.
Zach Abraham/American Red Cross.
Wuri, a volunteer with the Indonesia Red Cross Society, conducts house-to-house visits to ensure every child has been vaccinated for measles.
Zach Abraham/American Red Cross.
A group of Indonesian children unwind after receiving a life-saving measles vaccination.
Zach Abraham/American Red Cross.
|
It is a hot and cloudy day, and the threat of rain hangs overhead. Moving swiftly, oblivious to the heat, Wuri is smiling, greeting families and playing with the children around the homes. Today, she is focusing on the city of Semarang in Central Java, Indonesia. Wuri is just one of the thousands of volunteers giving their time and effort to ensure that every child in Java has the opportunity for a healthier future.
On February 20, 2007, the government of Indonesia embarked on the fourth phase of an historic measles vaccination campaign. This phase is taking place in Java, the most densely populated region of the country, and is targeting more than 13 million children. In addition, many of the children will receive polio vaccinations and vitamin A supplements. For one month, tens of thousands of health workers and volunteers from PMI will be operating in more than 100,000 vaccination posts, covering more than 24,000 thousand villages.
The campaign is being supported by the Measles Initiative, a partnership led by the American Red Cross, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United Nations Foundation, UNICEF and World Health Organization. In Indonesia, critical support also comes from the Republic of Indonesia's Ministry of Health, as part of the government's goal of reducing measles cases nationally and ensuring children are also protected against polio.
"This effort is massive—the number of volunteers and health workers required to pull this off is truly monumental for Indonesia," said Dellaphine Rauch-Houekpon, Senior Field Representative in Indonesia for the American Red Cross. "It really is a testament to the power of partnership and working together—no single organization could accomplish a health campaign of this scale."
PMI also plays a vital role through its extensive network of volunteers, who move through communities, informing parents and children about the importance of getting their measles shots. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are giving their time and energy to support this historic effort.
Wuri spent much of the past week working with volunteers to ensure they were prepared. "It is wonderful to see them go out and help their communities," said Wuri. "Social mobilization is such an important part of this campaign, and it is the volunteers that do much of the work."
As Wuri goes from one house to another, meeting families and examining children to see if they got their measles shots, she explains how important these campaigns have been to her and her team. "This isn't just about the vaccinations. It is about informing the communities," she said. "All the volunteers are learning through this process, and many young volunteers are realizing that you start giving back once you begin listening to the community."
To combat measles and protect children against other health risks, such as polio and malaria, the government of Indonesia and the Measles Initiative partners launched the first phase of the campaign in December 2005. The national campaign is scheduled to conclude in August with millions of children having received vital protection.
The day began at sunrise for Wuri, and as the sun begins to wane, a new wave of clouds rolls in. Wuri approaches her last house for the day and spots a group of children playing in the distance, laughing and taking turns riding a bicycle.
"I don't have any children yet," she said, smiling in the misty rain. "But when I do, I want them to have the same chances these kids are getting today."
The Measles Initiative is a partnership committed to reducing measles deaths globally. Launched in 2001, the Initiative—led by the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and the World Health Organization—provides technical and financial support to governments and communities on vaccination campaigns worldwide. To date, the Initiative has supported the vaccination of more than 600 million children in more than 60 countries helping reduce measles deaths by 74% globally and 89% in Africa (compared to 2000).. To learn more or make a donation, visit www.measlesinitiative.org.
Related Links:
Related Content:
|
