Engaging ethnic minority villagers in the fight against Japanese Encephalitis

As we drive forty kilometres out of Thakkek District in Khammuane Province on red earth road, we arrive at Laphathong School in Nassad District of Khammuane Province. Children were getting ready to be vaccinated for Japanese Encephalitis (JE).

 

Health worker getting ready for the school based vaccination

Photo: Micka Perier

 

Young girl getting vaccinated in the class

 

A mother brought her young daughter to the school for the vaccination campaign.

 

Health workers in the “village town hall” where all children from the village is gathered for the vaccination campaign

Photo: Micka Perier

 

Children from the ethnic Khmu community showing off their finger marking and vaccination card

(WHO/Irene Tan)

 

Children gathered after their vaccination for a group photo

(Micka Perier)

In the Khmu village, these children do not go to school, but with the help of the village head, the children were left with relatives and neighbours, and asked to remain in the village while some of their parents left to work in the field.

Communication is vital to a successful campaign when mobilizing and engaging the community. The villagers, mostly Khmu ethnic minority, made it a point to remain in the village at the time when the health workers visited. This has ensured that all children aged 9 months to 14 years received the vaccine they need to protect them against JE.