New Delhi: Center on Thursday launched a campaign to increase Covid-19 vaccination among tribal people focusing on the many myths, misunderstandings and fear of vaccines by involving traditional leaders and local influencers.
The Federation of Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development (Trifed), under the Tribal Ministry, will apply a campaign, which began with Bastar in Chhattisgarh and Mandla in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, in relation to the UN (UNICEF) Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the world of health organizations ( WHO).
According to officials, this campaign aims to create awareness about vaccination among around 50 tribes of Lakh and forest residents throughout the state.
Under the campaign, more than 50,000 villages in 309 districts will be borne.
Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda said this campaign presents the opportunity to build strong relationships with scheduled tribes.
“There are many myths and misunderstandings about Covid-19 vaccination.
This campaign focuses on releasing this obstacle.
It is time for us to increase awareness about vaccination given the possibility of the third wave,” he said.
“We will not wabble for the third wave, but will build a protective shield around our people,” Munda added.
This campaign focuses on myths and misunderstandings such as vaccines not intended for children and women and that vaccinated people cannot be infected anymore.
“We need to send the correct message that vaccination protects from severe diseases and death …
many people think vaccination reduces stamina that might affect their livelihoods or they must argue from alcohol after taking a shot,” a word official said.
“Some people deny the existence of Covid and call it simple ‘cold and cough’.
Most of the villagers and daily bets think they already have immunity,” he added.
Tribal people have more confidence in traditional religious healers and leaders.
So, these people will be involved in solving these myths, the official said.
As part of outreach, Trifed will create awareness of using the fertilizer outlet center, Haat and Bazaars, Points of Collection of Milk and Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, which adds to the value of non-wood minor forest production.
There will be a special focus on high-resistant areas.
Local roll models and champions in the community will be used as influencers to convince community members.
Format and traditional tribal songs, especially those used on the occasion of birth, marriage and death, will be tapped.
Recorded messages will be used in dialects and local languages.