Project Pilot in South Sudan
EAI is excited to announce its collaboration with Vactraca to pilot an approach to improving childhood immunisation rates in South Sudan. This short-term health intervention utilises the innovative Vactraca necklace, designed to enhance community engagement and compliance with vaccinations before a broader rollout can occur.
Historically, South Sudan has faced challenges with immunisation coverage, as evidenced by the 2006 Sudan Household Health Survey (SSCCSE), which reported an alarming immunisation rate of just 2.7%. Although this figure improved to 18.9% in the 2017 South Sudan Expanded Programme on Immunisation Coverage Survey (SSECS), there remains significant room for growth, especially considering the 8.7% coverage reported in 2011.
The Vactraca pendant has multiple discs and each disc represents an infant’s routine immunization schedule. The discs highlight what vaccinations an infant should take and at what age they should take them. Vactraca caters to all mothers including those who have multiple birth.
All vaccine information is stored behind the discs, making it easy for health workers to keep track of the vaccines that have been administered.
The pilot study aims to:
- Assess the practicality and effectiveness of using Vactraca necklaces in increasing childhood immunisation rates.
- Gather insights on the necessary time and resources for successful interventions.
- Document practical activities for continuous use of the devices.
- Evaluate community responses, particularly from mothers to gauge acceptance of the Vactraca necklaces.
- Identify factors that may influence the effectiveness of the necklaces in fostering immunization uptake.
- Measure the direct impact of the intervention on vaccination rates among children and test the scalability of Vactraca.
This prospective interventional study will adopt a quasi-experimental design and utilise a mixed-methods approach to evaluate its outcomes. A comprehensive Theory of Change and logical framework will guide the evaluation, aiming to estimate the expected changes attributed to the Vactraca initiative. Vactraca is partnering with UNICEF in South Sudan for the roll out of the pilot.
The findings from this pilot study will not only provide essential insights for the future design of immuniation interventions but will also enhance opportunities for securing funding for a wide-scale implementation of Vactraca. By demonstrating the necessary skills and expertise required for successful rollout, we aim to encourage acceptance and utilisation of the Vactraca necklaces, leading to improved health outcomes for children in South Sudan.
For more information about Vactraca, please visit their official website.