Nearly all the caregivers of fully-immunized children on the LEOPOD project – through exit interviews – indicated willingness to continue as immunization mentors in the community.
Hadiza Mohammed, a teacher, is one of the 20 immunization mentors recruited on the LEOPOD project in Gwam Ward of Paikoro Local Government Area (LGA) in Niger State. Having overcome the norm of vaccine resistance in her community, she indicated interest and was enrolled on the criteria that she had completed vaccination for her children.
After being trained, she participated actively in encouraging vaccination uptake in Paikoro through impact sessions. Hazida’s passionate involvement in the project made her popular, and this attracted pregnant caregivers to seek her guidance.
“Since joining as mentor, I have caregivers even from outside my community calling me every day to teach them about the benefits of immunization. They now believe it protects children from diseases, and I am happy about this.“
-Hadiza
Hadiza’s story portrays how immunization is currently being accepted in her community and other nearby villages.
