At many of our project sites, certain social and cultural practices may increase the risk of some conditions that are easily preventable by immunization. This is true at our project site in Kenya, where a Community Health Volunteer discovered that baby Pauline did not receive a vital vaccine after birth. Pauline was born in the hospital and discharged before getting the BCG vaccine, which is given at birth to prevent tuberculosis. At the hospital in Kibera, the vaccine is normally given on designated days to avoid wastage. Pauline’s mother had been attending the Care Group sessions where she learned about the importance of attending antenatal clinics as well as the importance of child immunization.

During a follow up home visit, Bentado, a Community Health Volunteer (CHV) discovered that Pauline had not received her BCG vaccine. Pauline’s mother, a superstitious woman who believed that no one should be allowed to see her baby until she was one month old, was afraid to take her out of the house. Because of this, baby Pauline left the hospital without getting the BCG vaccine, and would not receive this important vaccine until she reached one month of age.

Bentado, who knew the mother from the Care Group, was able to reiterate the need for the vaccination. In a highly congested setting like Kibera, the mother was still fearful of moving her baby out of the house on religious grounds.  Bentado helped by confirming the specific days when the vaccine would be available at Tabitha clinic and persuaded Pauline’s mother to wrap the baby completely, leaving space for the child to breathe, before leaving the house and traveling to the clinic. This way no one would see the baby’s face.  Bentado also made special arrangements so that they would be attended to upon arrival and not have to spend a lot of time at the health facility, ensuring that baby Pauline received this important vaccine.

Because of the constant contact between CHVs and community members, Bentado was able to quickly discover the gap in immunization coverage and the risk to baby Pauline’s health. Furthermore, because of her prior relationship with Pauline’s mother, Bentado was able to convince the mother of the importance of the vaccine and make special arrangements to accommodate her cultural and spiritual beliefs. Regular contact with the community and relationship building between the project and the community members are essential to the success of Curamericas Global’s health programs. Because of this, baby Pauline and so many others receive the essential health care they need.

Author: Caitlin Showalter, Curamericas Programs and Development Intern

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