The COVID -19 pandemic and its containment measures, such as the vaccination process for the Peruvian population, have generated new dynamics in society, both in its own practices and in the management of information.

Given this panorama, Cáritas del Perú together with the Cáritas Diocesanas de Yurimaguas, Atalaya and Pastoral Social de Jaén, with the support of Catholic Relief Services -CRS carry out the project “Support for safe vaccination in native communities of the Amazon in 4 departments (Loreto, Junín, Ucayali and Amazonas) to contain the lethal effects of the pandemic.”

This project is developed in 81 native communities in the 4 departments, with 8,141 people participating, including older adults, adults, adolescents and children of the Achuar ethnic groups, Ashéninka, Asháninka, Yine, Candoshi, Chayhuita, Kichwa, Qichua, Shawi, Wampis and Awajún, belonging to 32 Indigenous Federations.

According to the report developed by Cáritas del Perú, the percentage of people concerned about the adverse effects of the COVID -19 vaccine decreased from 63% to 20%, this as a result of the workshops informative sessions for residents of native communities, strengthening workshops with community health agents, delivery of protection and hygiene kits and training workshops for health personnel, which were in person and virtual with the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Health, Networks, Micronetworks and first level care establishments.

Mirella Maquera Vidangos, project coordinator, commented that the training methodology was carried out community by community, with the support of translators hired with project funds, team staff (bilingual) and community health agents, who are recognized key actors in their communities, bringing clear and precise information about safe vaccination and effects attributed to it, to community members.

Regarding the massive communication campaigns regarding COVID-19 prevention, to date, 3 campaigns have been implemented through different communication channels disseminating 12 messages about safe and effective vaccination; in a responsible and culturally appropriate manner in 7 native languages (Awajún, Ashaninka, Asheninka, Yine, Matsigenka, Kandozi and Kichwa), with the support of translators from the area, including teachers from Inter-Ethnic Centers, teachers from NOPOKI and collaborators from local stations.

The communication channels that are being used are radio spots in native communities with access to local stations/ Internet, use of speakers/megaphones, publication of posters and participation in radio programs.

Regarding access to vaccination against COVID-19, the response of the health sector in vaccination was strengthened, administering 6,786 doses; of which 2,153 correspond to the first dose, 1,722 to the second, 2,402 to the third and 509 to the fourth dose. This is the result of periodic meetings, letters sent to the health sector to announce all the project's actions and the formation of brigades for vaccination days for children, adolescents, adults, older adults and people with comorbidities.

The arrival of the project to the intervention area has motivated an informed and safe vaccination process, bringing the health sector closer to the population on a permanent basis.

In addition, the project has implemented Mechanisms of Complaints and Responses Feedback (MRQR) for the execution of activities in a safe and dignified manner, as well as a Monitoring and Evaluation System (MEAL) that allows for continuous analysis of the expected results.

NDP: Cáritas del Perú