A Delhi-based NGO, the Indian Social Responsibility Network (ISRN) has claimed that there are several refusal cases and low coverage of the Covid-19 vaccine in the hard to reach terrains of the four districts in Meghalaya.
However, the NGO refused to provide information on the hesitancy percentage stating they are not allowed to divulge till the end of the programme in July.
The four districts that recorded hesitancy and low vaccination coverage, as per the organisation, are East Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, Ri-Bhoi and West Khasi Hills districts.
ISRN works in the field of Covid -19 vaccination programmes and supports the government initiative to have more coverage. It has been doing different types of field level activities for amplifying the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Meghalaya like awareness camps, supporting vaccination camps, wall writing, training for healthcare/frontline workers, vaccine on wheels, regular meeting with stakeholders at state/district level, partnership with stakeholders such as Self Help Groups, community-based organisations, faith based organisations, engagement of schools, colleges, institutions and others.
D Khonglam Training and monitoring officer said, “We go to the villages of these districts and conduct awareness programme, street play, etc and currently started the awareness in schools to motivate students in the age groups of 12-14 years to take the jab.”
She said that the DIO at the district level helps them to conduct the various activities in the villages and that they work hand in hand with the Rangbah Shnong, faith leaders, SHGs, etc.
She said that the special focus of the NGO is on people with comorbidities, tribal population, and people living in hard-to- reach areas by conducting different types of field level activities for amplifying the COVID 19 vaccination programme.
Informing that they have started the programme in November 2021 and will continue it till July this year, she appealed to the people who are not vaccinated against the COVID 19 to take the jab and stay protected.
