Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU) with technical support from UNICEF organised a ‘One-day State level Training of CSOs and FBOs on CAB, Vaccine Promotion and Routine Immunisation’ at Diocesan Social Service Society, Imphal on Friday.
The training was organised with the aim to strengthen social mobilisation for Covid appropriate behaviours (CAB), Vaccine Promotion and Routine Immunisation (RI), in the state of Manipur, Assam Don Bosco University stated in a release issued by its project coordinator, SBC Secretariat Daisinlung Sebastian Kamsuan.
The event was attended by state nodal officer (Advocacy and Community Engagement) Jubilee Wahengbam; state nodal officer (BCC/IEC) RK Rosie; state SBC, consultant, UNICEF Assam Gitali Kakati; state SBC, consultant, UNICEF Manipur Tim Huidrom; public health immunisation consultant Dr Payal and director- Diocesan Social Service Society, Imphal Fr Biju Lukose, it stated.
The 22 participants were five Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) and eight Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), it stated.
At the event, RK Rosie said that Routine Immunisation is the pillar to prevent both serious and harmful diseases, it further stated. Jubilee Wahengbam stressed on the need to promote awareness among the people as COVID-19 is still around the corner, it mentioned. Fr Biju Lukose spoke on the active involvement of the FBOs and CSOs during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic by way of volunteering, setting up of quarantine centres, supply of food essentials, and awareness programmes, advocacy and consultative meetings, it stated.
Speaking on the Behaviour Change (BC), UNICEF SBC consultant-Assam Gitali spoke on the 5 levels of a supportive environment for BC: Individual, Interpersonal, Community, Organisation and Policy levels, it stated. She also pointed out six stages of BC: Awareness, Desire, Knowledge and Skills, Trial, Maintenance, and Sustenance. She suggested for FBOs and CSOs some crucial roles: Practice promoter, Trust builder, Community mobilise and advocate, it added.
Focusing on RI, Public Health Immunisation consultant, Payal said that it is vital to spread awareness about the importance of immunisation and ensure that parents and caregivers have the requisite information about the immunization cycle. She added RI acts as a protective shield, keeping families and communities safe, it stated.
Taking on CAB, Tim Huidrom pointed out the need to conscientize those who are yet to be vaccinated. She also pointed out the need to adhere to CAB even though one has taken the COVID-19 vaccination to stay safe and healthy. She exhorted the participants to network and work together in creating a healthier environment in Manipur.
Tamenglong Parish Catholic Youth Organisation, Rongmei Naga Baptist Association, Diocesan Social Service Society, Holistic Development Kuki Baptist Convention and Chumbang Baptist Church were the five FBOs present for the training.
People’s Resource Development Association, Action for Women and Child Advancement, Advanced Innovative Foundation, Rural Education and Action for Change – Manipur, Recognize-Rise-Empower Association, John Snow India Pvt. Ltd., Manipur Voluntary Health Association, Rongmei Naga Student Organisation Manipur were the the eight CSO participants.
