Port Blair, Sept 17: Frontline functionaries within the health system, primarily the ANM and ASHA, supported by the Anganwadi workers (AWW) from the ICDS programme – jointly known as the 3As – are recognized to form the most critical resource to achieve the Routine Immunization (RI) goal reduced vaccine hesitancy and increased coverage. They are an essential bridge between the health delivery system and the community.

In this regard, a two days training of Master Trainers on IPC skills for front line functionaries under Boosting Routine Immunization Demand Generation (BRIDGE) was conducted for Medical Officers of various Health Institutions of these Islands here recently. The workshop was organised with support from UNICEF and enVision along with SHS – Immunization Unit, DHS, Port Blair. 

The training will further cascade down to the frontline workers which will help in improving interpersonal communication skills to Counsel caregivers, remove fear and build confidence of community in vaccine and ultimately lead to improve immunization coverage.