Polio Eradication Campaign - Liberia

Bong County's Superintendent met with a group of men, women, elders, tribal chiefs, politicians and health care workers to address the resistance against immunising children, expressed by community members. It was decided that communication methods which considered peoples values, interests and traditions were needed if Bong County was to successfully participate in the immunisation drive. Drummers and singers helped people to overcome their objections as they spread educational information about polio while respected community leaders reinforced the message. The success of this programme is symbolized by a gold cup on the Superintendant's desk and led to household surveys, an ethnological study, group discussions and Bong County's conclusion that they could take charge of their children's health and well being. It was decided that Bong County would immunise all children under the age of 5 to fight a host of other diseases.

Health, Children, Rights

The Bong County community came together full force and was able to boast 100% participation in the Polio Eradication Campaign. Given the multiplicity of language, widespread illiteracy, the rugged terrain distancing villages from one another and little or no access to radio, TV or newspaper, it was with great challenge and perserverance that the immunisation message was delivered. "The message spread like wildflower to parts that should by all counts be considered 'inaccessible'". The following plan to take responsibility for child health was named The Bong County Process and was carried out in 3 phases: Assessment, Analysis and Action. The survey, study and group discussions enabled the community to determine their needs and challenges with respect to child health and well-being. It was concluded that malaria, measles and diarrheal illnesses were the greatest threat to their children. During phase 2 the community analyzed its own ability to address these challenges and decided that paying more attention to cleanliness, hydration and sanitation would help to ward off disease. In the 3rd phase, UNICEF Liberia was a key player in assisting the community's plan of action for further immunisation by providing drugs and persons to immunise all children under 5.