MEASLES-RUBELLA CAMPAIGN: VCGs AND CHWs mobilized in Bangue Health District

743 children vaccinated and 1,020 people reached with awareness messages on the first day

Bangue, October 14, 2026 — The first day of the measles and rubella vaccination campaign was marked by strong mobilization of Care Group Volunteers (VCGs) and Community Health Workers (CHWs) in the Bangue Health District.

Through vaccination activities and community awareness sessions, these frontline community actors worked across several localities to help protect children against measles and rubella, two vaccine-preventable diseases.

Mobilization Across Several Health Areas

In the Bangue Health Area, VCGs carried out activities in La Semence, Manchester, and Dernier Poteau. In the Logbessou 1 Health Area, they worked in several locations, including Mosquée PK14, Minkek, PK15, and Nouveau Quartier PK17 and surrounding areas.

Community Health Workers also supported measles and rubella vaccination, raised awareness among families, and conducted catch-up vaccinations for zero-dose children, particularly the pentavalent vaccine (Penta), in Kotto Bloc M and Minkek.

Encouraging Results on the First Day

The joint mobilization of VCGs and CHWs achieved the following results:

• Bangue Health Area: VCGs vaccinated 144 children and reached 327 people with awareness messages.
• Logbessou 1 Health Area: VCGs vaccinated 525 children and reached 605 people with awareness messages.
• Kotto Bloc M: 34 children vaccinated and 40 people reached with awareness messages by CHWs.
• Minkek: 40 children vaccinated and 50 people reached with awareness messages by CHWs.

Overall, the activities conducted on the first day resulted in 743 children vaccinated and 1,020 people reached with awareness messages.

These results demonstrate the contribution of community-based actors to family mobilization and efforts to increase demand for vaccination.

Challenges Highlight the Need for Stronger Community Awareness

Despite the results achieved, field teams encountered several challenges.

Some parents expressed reluctance toward injectable measles and rubella vaccines, expecting oral drops or the distribution of vitamin A and deworming medication, as had been the case during some previous campaigns. Fear of injections and children's crying also contributed to parental hesitation.

At schools, the absence of school administrators and some teachers complicated the organization of activities. In addition, some parental consent forms had not yet been approved, making it necessary to schedule new appointments. Some parents also expressed reservations about the temporary fixed-site vaccination strategy, citing the difficulty of leaving their businesses unattended while away.

Teams also faced challenging weather conditions, particularly intense sunshine, as well as thirst and hunger during field activities. The absence of many children who were attending school when the teams arrived was another challenge.

In Minkek, an incident was also reported involving a child who sustained an injury to the chin while running toward his mother.

These challenges highlight the need to continue engaging with parents, provide clearer information about how the measles and rubella vaccine is administered, and strengthen coordination with schools and communities.

VCGs and CHWs: Essential Actors in Community-Based Vaccination

Through their presence within communities, VCGs and CHWs help bring health services closer to families, identify children who need vaccination, and address parents' questions and concerns.

Their commitment is an important driver of efforts to reduce missed vaccination opportunities and support catch-up vaccination for children who have not received the recommended doses.

A Call to Parents and Communities

The success of the campaign depends on everyone's participation. Parents are encouraged to have their children vaccinated in accordance with the recommendations of health teams and to contact their local health facilities for further information.

Together, let us protect children against measles and rubella. No child should be left behind!