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Felele: DEAN Initiative Orchestrates CTAP Focus Group Discussion with Community Citizens

In a lively part of Ibadan, called Felele, Over 50 People came together through the COVID-19 Transparency and Accountability Project (CTAP), powered by the DEAN Initiative, to talk about their experiences. This wasn’t just a chat – it was like a community song, with everyone sharing their stories. In this gathering, the real heroes were the community health workers supported by DEAN Initiative’s team. They played a big part in telling everyone why getting the COVID-19 vaccine was important. Their hard work, backed by the DEAN Initiative, became like a strong shield for Felele against COVID-19.

What made Felele strong wasn’t just the number of people but the different kinds of people living there. Some shared good stories about getting free vaccines and meeting friendly healthcare workers, to DEAN Initiative. These stories connected with others who faced similar challenges in a nearby place called Aganni. It was like a shared commitment to keeping everyone healthy, with the DEAN Initiative adding a powerful beat to the rhythm of community health.

The main tune in Felele was getting people who had not received the vaccine to do, with DEAN Initiative making sure the process was smooth. This shared promise wasn’t just a smart thing to do; it showed a deep care for each other. Thanks to the CTAP project backed by DEAN Initiative, the community stood together, creating a positive vibe about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Felele’s story isn’t just a tale; it’s like a simple song, a clear example of how we can work together with community. It shows that when people unite, they become strong, and when everyone takes responsibility together, they become tough against tough times, especially with initiatives like DEAN backing them up.

CTAP FGD in Rigasa Community of Kaduna State.

Moving to Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the Rigasa community welcomed DEAN Initiative on the 11th of October, 2023, with open arms and open minds. The FDG held at Asibitin Yara Hayin Mallam Bello Community’s Vocational Training Centre brought together over 50 participants, fostering an environment of trust and unity.

The Officer in Charge of the PHC reiterated the community’s need to utilise the local healthcare facility, emphasising its accessibility and tailored services. Participants, predominantly youths, expressed reservations based on negative narratives surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations.

However, DEAN Initiative state coordinator’s adept clarification of vaccine myths paved the way for transformative change.

The impact resonated far beyond the venue, with over 50 individuals leaving with not only a better understanding of COVID-19 vaccines but also a commitment to complete their vaccination process. DEAN Initiative’s distribution of educational materials further solidified a collective resolve to build a healthier, more informed community.

Blossoming Health: DEAN Initiative’s Impact in Badari, Ilorin West

In the scenic landscapes of Ilorin West, the community of Badari recently witnessed a blossoming of health awareness and community well-being. On the 14th of October, 2023, DEAN Initiative, in collaboration with CTAP, conducted a transformative Focus Group Discussion (FGD) at the Badari Maternity Clinic. Over 50 eager participants gathered, eager to contribute to the dialogue on vaccine equity and health sector accountability.

Badari’s FGD echoed the sentiments of other communities, celebrating positive experiences such as the proximity of the Badari Maternity Clinic, free vaccinations, and the kindness of healthcare workers. Simultaneously, concerns about vaccine unavailability and occasional payment hurdles were shared. DEAN Initiative’s impact extended beyond discussions, with the distribution of 50 info-graphics, bags, notebooks, t-shirts, and calendars.

Badari Community

Badari now stands as a symbol of a community united in its commitment to health and well-being. The call for government support resonated strongly, emphasizing the need to fortify Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) by addressing staff shortages, extending operating hours, and improving staff salaries. DEAN Initiative’s role in nurturing a culture of health and community well-being in Badari is a testament to the organization’s dedication to building resilient and empowered communities.

Empowering Communities: CTAP and DEAN Initiative’s Success in Olorisaoko and Oguntula’s COVID-19 Vaccination Journey

The COVID-19 Transparency and Accountability Project (CTAP), in collaboration with the DEAN Initiative, orchestrated impactful Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) in the idyllic villages of Olorisaoko and Oguntula within the Akinyele Local Government Area. These FGDs not only fostered a positive and energetic atmosphere but also shed light on the transformative power of community engagement in the fight against COVID-19.

A standout feature in the residents’ narratives was the close proximity and easy accessibility of the Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) in the area. The well-equipped PHC near Olorisaoko and Oguntula emerged as a beacon of hope for the community. Participants shared their positive experiences, highlighting the free immunization services and the welcoming nature of the medical staff, who played a pivotal role in dispelling concerns and doubts related to COVID-19 vaccinations.

This FGD not only affirmed the success of the CTAP and DEAN Initiative collaboration in these communities but also showcased the pivotal role of accessible healthcare services in fostering positive attitudes toward vaccination. The experiences shared by residents underscored the significance of well-equipped and accessible PHCs in advancing vaccine equity. Olorisaoko and Oguntula’s success story serves as inspiration for other communities, emphasizing the joint impact of CTAP and DEAN Initiative in promoting community engagement, education, and positive health outcomes.

Empowering Obio Akpor LGA: A Journey from Hesitancy to Hope in COVID-19 Vaccination Awareness

In the heart of Rivers State, Obio Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) recently witnessed a transformative event that unfolded on the 11th of October, 2023. DEAN Initiative, in collaboration with the COVID-19 Transparency and Accountability Project (CTAP), orchestrated a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) at the Community Secondary School in Rupukwo.

Obio Akpor Community

This gathering, a crucial component of CTAP’s mission to strengthen Vaccine Equity and Health Sector Accountability, became a pivotal moment for the community. The State Coordinator, in collaboration with health workers and community members, facilitated an open dialogue that addressed concerns surrounding COVID-19 vaccination.

Participants, numbering over 50, were not mere spectators; they actively engaged in discussions, sharing personal stories and experiences related to their COVID-19 vaccination journey. Some expressed initial hesitancy rooted in myths and misconceptions surrounding the vaccine. The presence of health representatives provided a platform for debunking these myths, fostering a clearer understanding of the virus and the vaccination process.

The event, held at the Community Secondary School, was not just an information session but a community-building exercise. The diverse group of attendees, including more than 10 health workers, created an environment conducive to open dialogue, trust-building, and the exchange of valuable insights.

As the discussions unfolded, a remarkable transformation occurred. Those who had harboured reservations about COVID-19 vaccination expressed a newfound willingness to get vaccinated. This shift in perspective showcased the triumph of accurate information over misinformation and highlighted the power of community engagement.

Obio Akpor LGA now stands as a beacon of progress, where knowledge became the catalyst for positive change. The success of the FGD in Rupukwo is not only a local achievement but a contribution to CTAP’s broader mission of enhancing Vaccine Equity and Health Sector Accountability across Nigeria. The ripple effect of this transformation is expected to extend beyond Rupukwo, influencing neighbouring communities and fostering a sense of hope in the fight against COVID-19. The journey from hesitancy to hope in Obio Akpor serves as a testament to the transformative power of community engagement and education in the face of a global health crisis.

CTAP Focus Group discussion in Kakuri Community.

In the heart of Kaduna South, the Kakuri community became a focal point for DEAN Initiative’s mission to enhance vaccine equity and health sector accountability. On the 7th of October, 2023, our team engaged in a vibrant Focus Group Discussion (FDG) at CGA beside Asibitin Yara, bringing together over 50 eager participants. The atmosphere was charged with curiosity and concerns about COVID-19 vaccinations.

Kakuri Community
Kakuri Community Citizens

Amidst insightful discussions, the Officer in Charge of the Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) emphasized the importance of utilizing the community PHC, urging residents to embrace local healthcare resources. Participants openly shared their vaccination journeys, recounting diverse experiences, from side effects to renewed energy post-vaccination. The state coordinator, adeptly debunking myths, inspired confidence in those hesitant to take the vaccine.

The impact surpassed the numbers, with over 50 individuals expressing newfound willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. DEAN Initiative’s distribution of educational materials, including infographics, bags, notebooks, t-shirts, and calendars, left a lasting imprint, fostering a sense of community resilience and shared responsibility.

Aganni: Overcoming Challenges and Fostering Resilience

Aganni Community
Oyo Team Lead

At the core of the enchanting Aganni community in Ido Local Government Area, the Focus Group Discussion, masterfully directed by the CTAP project, brought to light a compelling tale of resilience and determination in confronting distinct challenges in obtaining COVID-19 vaccination services. What captured our attention were the obstacles encountered and the remarkable spirit and determination that residents exuded as they navigated these uncharted waters.

Unlike the well-equipped PHC in other local government areas, the PHC in Aganni faced challenges. Participants shared their concerns about paying for vaccines, unavailability, and distance barriers. Despite these hurdles, the FGD became a platform for community members to voice their concerns and seek solutions.

Remarkably, hesitant participants left the discussion with a newfound willingness to get vaccinated. The CTAP project, through community engagement and education, addressed concerns, dispelled myths, and instilled a positive attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccination. Aganni’s story is one of resilience and community empowerment, showcasing the potential for change despite challenges.

Salako Shines: Illuminating the Path to Vaccine Equity with DEAN Initiative

In the heart of Ilorin South, Salako emerges as a shining example of community engagement and empowerment. Recently, DEAN Initiative, in collaboration with the COVID-19 Transparency and Accountability Project (CTAP), orchestrated a transformative Focus Group Discussion (FGD) at Salako Primary Healthcare Center (PHC). This event, held on the 2nd of October, 2023, gathered over 50 enthusiastic participants eager to share their thoughts on vaccine equity and health sector accountability.

The lively discussion revealed both triumphs and challenges in Salako’s COVID-19 vaccination journey. Proximity to the PHC and the dedication of friendly healthcare workers were celebrated as positive experiences. However, concerns about vaccine availability and occasional payment hurdles were voiced by some community members. The collective call for government support resonated, with the community expressing a strong desire for enhanced PHCs through addressing staff shortages, extending operating hours, and improving salaries.

DEAN Initiative’s commitment to empowering Salako was evident not only in facilitating these discussions but also in the distribution of informative materials and essential items. Over 50 infographics were shared, accompanied by bags, notebooks, t-shirts, and calendars. Salako now stands as a beacon of hope, with community members pledging to initiate their vaccine journey, recognizing the importance of safeguarding their health and the well-being of their community.

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