CSO partnerships in immunisation: driving positive change together

When I think about childhood immunisation in Uganda, one story stands out vividly. It was during our inaugural visit to Nyakahandagazi village in Bushenyi District, a lush tea-growing district, where I met a mother named Prudence.

Prudence, like many other women in her community, spends her days plucking tea leaves to earn a modest wage. Her determination to provide for her family was inspiring, but her story revealed a heartbreaking reality.

“I remember one particular outreach vividly. It was a crisp morning, and as the women lined up to pluck tea, a small team of health workers set up a makeshift vaccination station under a tree. One by one, the women brought their children forward, their faces a mix of relief and gratitude.”

– Emily Katarikawe

Prudence’s youngest child, barely six months old, was one of many in the community who hadn’t received routine vaccinations. When I asked her about it, she explained, “I know immunisation is important, but if I take a day off to go to the clinic, I won’t earn money for food. My child is healthy now, so I can wait.”

Her words hit me hard. For Prudence, the choice wasn’t between vaccination and negligence; it was between survival today and protection tomorrow.

This dilemma wasn’t unique to Prudence. Through community dialogue discussions – what we call ekikoome – organised by the Innovation Program for Community Transformation (InPact) with funding from Gavi through PATH-Uganda, it became clear that many women in the area faced the same tough decision.

But these conversations also sparked solutions. By collaborating with local tea plantation managers and the nearest health facilities, we initiated workplace immunisation outreaches, bringing vaccines directly to where the women worked.

I remember one particular outreach vividly. It was a crisp morning, and as the women lined up to pluck tea, a small team of health workers set up a makeshift vaccination station under a tree. One by one, the women brought their children forward, their faces a mix of relief and gratitude. Prudence was among them, cradling her baby as he received his first vaccine. “Now I don’t have to choose between feeding my family and protecting my child,” she said, her voice steady but filled with emotion.

Beyond these efforts, I saw how civil society organisations (CSOs) made a difference. Door-to-door visits by community health workers weren’t just about identifying unvaccinated children – they were about building trust and addressing fears.

Prudence’s neighbours began talking about vaccines in everyday conversations, using their local language to explain the benefits. This grassroots movement – supported by PATH and Uganda’s Ministry of Health Expanded Programme for Immunization with funding from Gavi – is slowly creating a ripple effect, where more parents take pride in ensuring their children are fully vaccinated.

Reflecting on this experience, I realised the power of community-driven solutions. It’s not just about bringing services to the people; it’s about empowering them to own the process.

Prudence’s story and others like hers remind me why we continue to collaborate with local leaders, religious groups, cultural influencers and other non-health actors like teachers and farm managers. Together, we’re breaking barriers, dispelling myths and ensuring that no child, regardless of their circumstances, is left behind.

It’s a year since I had this conversation with Prudence, her child is now thriving, and she recently told our team how she feels more confident about her family’s future. For me, her journey symbolises what’s possible when we meet people where they are, and work hand in hand to create lasting change.

It highlights the potential of partnerships with key stakeholders – both state and non-state actors, including CSOs – showcasing how leveraging each other’s strengths and resources can create meaningful, positive change for individuals and the communities we serve.