Kolkata’s densely-populated wards 140 and 141 of Metiabruz, residence to just about 30 000 individuals, contains migrant households residing in 20 high-risk slums and eight brick kiln settlements. Immunization protection right here had stalled at round 57%. Misinformation, concern of adversarial results, and the fixed motion of migrant staff meant many kids have been both partially vaccinated or not vaccinated in any respect. After the detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus in 2022 and measles-rubella outbreaks the identical 12 months, the urgency to behave was heightened.
With assist from WHO Nationwide Public Well being Assist Community (NPSN), the native well being division launched a centered well being camp initiative in 2025 that went past organising vaccination cubicles. Groups started by mapping high-risk pockets and figuring out vaccine-hesitant households. Frontline staff and companions stepped in to construct belief, going door-to-door, addressing considerations, and informing and making ready households forward of the camps.
ASHA staff carried out house-to-house headcount surveys and ready ‘due lists’ of youngsters who had missed age-appropriate vaccination doses (©WHO India/Mominuddin Sardar
Following this, two well being camps have been organized throughout 5 brick-kiln websites. Well being-care staff, supported by docs, supplied counselling and fundamental providers, together with immunization, antenatal care and household planning. The thought was easy: deliver health-care nearer to the place individuals dwell and make it related.
The response was encouraging. Round 200 households attended. Of the 91 kids due for vaccines, 85 acquired all required doses—reaching 93.4% protection. All 5 recognized “zero-dose” kids—those that had by no means acquired a single vaccine—have been vaccinated. Measles-rubella (MR) vaccination protection was additionally excessive, with MR-1 (MR first dose) at 92.9% and MR-2 (MR second dose) reaching 100%. The camps served 207 individuals, together with 51 kids beneath 5. 13 kids accomplished full immunization on the camps.
Supported by docs, well being staff supplied counselling and fundamental providers, together with immunization, antenatal care and household planning on the well being camps (©WHO India/Mominuddin Sardar)
Progress, nonetheless, doesn’t at all times are available sweeping adjustments—typically, it begins with only one vaccine at a time. Vaccine hesitancy—rooted in concern, rumours, and cultural beliefs—remained a barrier for some households Metiabruz, which led to 4 kids from vaccine-hesitant households getting vaccinated through the camps.
Nonetheless, the initiative confirmed what is feasible. By combining data-driven planning with group engagement, even the hardest-to-reach populations may be introduced into the fold. The plan now could be to proceed bi-monthly camps, strengthen follow-up visits, and deepen communication efforts tailor-made to hesitant households.
