Vaccines on Schedule:; Notify Health’s Reminder System Enhances Immunization Efforts in Kogi State
Notify Health has said that it will continue to work towards improving immunization outcomes in Kogi State, saying that the organization remain committed to its mission of ensuring that every child receives the life-saving vaccines they need to thrive.
Notify Health is a non-profit organization supporting healthcare systems through her automated message and voice-based vaccination reminders for parents of newborn children. Their reminders notify parents based on the local routine vaccination schedule.
Dr. Samuel Harvey, Co-Founder of Notify Health, who stated this during a partners forum meeting held in Lokoja on Monday, emphasized the importance of collaborative strategies to address gaps in healthcare delivery.
According to him, during the enrolment of children into the system 45 facilities were used, while over 80 health workers were trained, adding that 2163 children were enrolled and 30,000 messages were sent in both english and local languages.
He noted that immunization reminders could play a vital role in closing gaps in coverage in Kogi State. They can be especially effective in reducing the number of caregivers that do complete some but not all required vaccinations.
He stressed that with the support of its partners and stakeholders, Notify Health is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and families in the state.
He noted by leveraging technology and partnerships, Notify Health is demonstrating the potential for innovative solutions to drive meaningful change in public health.
Dr. Samuel further explained that simple reminder messages can make a significant difference in ensuring that children receive life-saving vaccines on schedule.
The programme, which partners with the Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Renaissance Care and Empowerment Foundation (RECEF) and Primary Health Centers, involves enrolling children into the programme using existing immunization registers at health facilities.
Dr. Harvey further elaborated on the programme’s design, stating that Notify Health then designs reminders that work in the local context, translating and recording messages in the language most suited to caregivers.
This approach, he noted has shown to be effective in improving immunization outcomes in other settings, and Notify Health is confident that it can make a similar impact in Kogi State.
The reminders are sent via SMS and automated voice calls, making it possible to reach thousands of caregivers and improve immunization outcomes.
According to Dr. Harvey, phone ownership is on the rise in Kogi State, and Notify Health aims to leverage this trend to bridge the immunization gap by sending reminders to caregivers.
Notify Health hopes to ensure that every child receives the life-saving vaccines they need to thrive.
Speaking earlier, the Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, expressed gratitude for Notify Health’s commitment to enhancing immunization outcomes within the state.
The Hon. Commissioner who was represented by Mr. Ayiedogbo Johnson, Director of Health Planning, Research, and Statistics, emphasized the importance of collaborative strategies to address gaps in healthcare delivery.
He noted that this meeting serves as a platform to explore innovative approaches to improve immunization rates, ensuring that more children receive essential life-saving vaccines.
Dr. Abdulazeez further underscored the significance of Notify Health’s initiative in bolstering the state’s public health efforts. “We are dedicated to collaborating with Notify Health and other partners to guarantee that every child in Kogi State has access to life-saving vaccines,” he stated.
By partnering with Notify Health, the Kogi State government aims to harness its expertise and resources to create a substantial impact on public health.
UNICEF Representative Hasid Abidjan reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Kogi State’s immunization initiatives. He outlined UNICEF’s multifaceted role, which includes advocacy, communication, social mobilization, awareness campaigns, vaccination support, and security assistance. “Together, we can make a significant impact,” Abidjan emphasized, highlighting the importance of collaboration in achieving shared health goals.
Abidjan also stressed the critical role of immunization in promoting child health and well-being. “Immunization is one of the most effective means of protecting children against vaccine-preventable diseases,” he remarked. Through its partnership with Notify Health, UNICEF aims to leverage its expertise and resources to enhance immunization outcomes in Kogi State, ultimately safeguarding the health of its youngest residents.
Speaking also, the WHO State Coordinator highlighted the significance of Notify Health’s intervention in supporting polio eradication efforts. “The Notify Health initiative will go a long way in supporting our efforts to eradicate polio in Kogi State,” the Coordinator stated. By providing reminders to caregivers, Notify Health is helping to ensure that children receive the vaccines they need to stay healthy and protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Coordinator further emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving public health goals. “We are committed to working with Notify Health and other partners to ensure that every child in Kogi State has access to life-saving vaccines,” the Coordinator said. This partnership is crucial in addressing the immunization gap in the state and ensuring that every child receives the vaccines they need.
Dr. Olayemi Ayo, Chief Medical Director of the Kogi State Hospital Management Board, welcomed the partnership between Notify Health and the state’s healthcare system. “I’m glad to meet you for the first time, and I’m anxious to learn more about your organization and its mission,” Dr. Olayemi stated. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that the Hospital Management Board is always eager to partner with organizations that share a common goal of improving healthcare outcomes.
Dr. Olayemi further expressed his optimism about the potential of the partnership to yield valuable knowledge and insights. “I think we’re going to pass on all your knowledge and be able to move forward,” he said, thanking Notify Health for their presence and looking forward to a productive partnership.
