One of the key strategies of CARE's Child Survival Project in Sierra Leone has been to mobilize and empower women through village health groups, where women can improve their knowledge of general healthcare and disease prevention, while strengthening relationships within the community.
CARE facilitates group discussion on a variety of topics, from nutrition to sanitation. Hadiatu, the chairperson of the health group in her village of Sagalereh, remembers clearly the day that her group learned more about the importance of immunization. "I was was two months into in my fifth pregnancy," she says. "Every one of my four other children have died at an early age -- two of measles, one from tetanus shortly after birth, and one from whooping cough close to his first birthday."
With four children dead from preventable diseases, Hadiatu was eager to learn more about immunization and how she might protect her fifth child from the possibility of falling ill.
The group's discussion about the benefits of immunization was lively, interactive and featured a description of the six diseases preventable through vaccination: tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio and measles. Hadiatu was attentive and reflective; She resolved to make a change with her unborn child and travelled the next day to the local health clinic to receive prenatal care, including a tetanus toxoid vaccine.
July 15, 2004 was a day of great joy. Hadiatu’s husband reported to CARE staff that his wife has given birth to a son, Salifu, at the local clinic. The child received his first vaccinations (tuberculosis and polio) immediately. One year later, Salifu has his Child Health Card which shows that he has received all the recommended vaccinations and is considered "immunized."
As an incentive from the local health clinic, his mother received a free insecticide-treated bed net to help protect the family from malaria, transmitted by the mosquitoes that swarm through their hut at night.
The head nurse at the local health clinic is greatful to CARE for the health education opportunities we've provided for women in such remote rural areas. "I have seen an increase in the number of parents bringing their children in for vaccination at the recommended age," she says. "The clinic is now crowded with pregnant women and young, healthy children."
