The BigCatchUp campaign, recently implemented in the Edea health district, was a crucial initiative to catch up on children who had received no vaccinations (zero dose) as well as those who were under-vaccinated. This programme aims to strengthen vaccination coverage and ensure that every child benefits from the essential protection offered by vaccines.
To maximise the impact of this initiative, an innovative collaboration model was adopted. Community mobilisers and vaccinators worked together, forming a dedicated vaccination team. One of the specific features of this campaign was the decision to divide the vaccination teams into two groups. Instead of traditional mobilisers, vaccinators directly from the health facilities that carry out vaccinations were selected to take part in the campaign. This made it possible not only to strengthen confidence in the vaccination process, but also to ensure broader and more effective coverage within the communities.
The BigCatchUp campaign is taking place in the 11 health areas of the Edea district, involving all health facilities authorised to vaccinate. This integrated approach made it possible to mobilise varied resources and skills, ensuring that every child has access to vaccination. The vaccination teams, composed of experienced health professionals, were present in every community, including in the most remote areas.
One of the most effective strategies implemented during the campaign was door-to-door vaccination. This method, considered an advanced strategy, made it possible to reach families directly and encourage parents to have their children vaccinated. The vaccinators committed to visiting every household, informing parents about the importance of vaccination, and administering vaccines on the spot. This personalised approach fostered better acceptance of vaccines and helped reduce the number of unvaccinated children.
The results of the BigCatchUp Tour 1 campaign were very encouraging. Many children who had never been vaccinated were able to receive their injections, and those who had missed doses were caught up. Thanks to this campaign, the Edea district significantly increased its vaccination coverage, thereby improving the protection of children against potentially serious diseases.
The BigCatchUp campaign in the Edea health district illustrates the importance of a collaborative and targeted approach in vaccination efforts. By mobilising vaccinators from health facilities and using door-to-door vaccination strategies, this initiative made it possible to catch up a significant number of under-vaccinated children and ensure their protection. This success demonstrates the ability of health systems to adapt and respond to the needs of communities, while highlighting the importance of vaccination in promoting public health.