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. 2019 Oct;101(4 Suppl):107–112. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0036

Table 1.

The characteristics and innovations developed to build social support for vaccination highlighted by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative18

  • 1. Identification and relentless pursuit of the missed child (and newborn)

  • 2. Identification of individuals, themes, and social pillars that can unify and motivate diverse population groups for a common goal

  • 3. The mobilization of communities through house-by-house contact on a grand scale not only for polio immunization but also for discrete health interventions such as vitamin A supplementation, measles vaccination, anti-helminthic administration, and distribution of soap, bed nets, and oral rehydration solution packets

  • 4. The creation of detailed local neighborhood vaccination team “microplans” and maps, and identification of locally influential people to assist in addressing those who are hesitant or resistant to immunization

  • 5. The collection and analysis of social data at the most-local level to understand and engage effectively with the local population

  • 6. The tracking of mobile and migrant groups and communicating with these groups while they are in transit

  • 7. Engagement with groups while they are away from home during campaign days, such as with those attending social, cultural, or religious events (such as weddings, shrines, or festivals)

  • 8. The use of traditional, religious, community, and civil society leaders and structures for community mobilization

  • 9. The improvement of interpersonal skills, management, and motivation of frontline health workers

  • 10. The development of evidence-based approaches to guide social mobilization and community engagement through ongoing, rigorous monitoring and evaluation

  • 11. The capacity to respond to community demands for additional services beyond polio immunization

  • 12. Engagement of communities and local civil society through other structures in addition to ministries of health

  • 13. Mobilization of the international, national, local NGOs, and communities in high-risk areas to reach every child with polio immunization