The MercyCall Health Project in Sudan
The 2023 Polio Awareness Campaign in collaboration with UNICEF's Behavior Change Department
About Us:
MercyCall strives to improve health outcomes in underserved communities through direct awareness and education. Our mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. In 2023, we launched a significant health initiative in Sudan focused on raising awareness about polio, a devastating disease that continues to impact communities globally.
Polio Awareness Campaign in Sudan - 2023 in Collaboration with UNICEF's Behavior Change Department In 2023, MercyCall led a health awareness project in rural areas of Sudan to combat the spread of polio. This initiative, carried out in collaboration with UNICEF's Behavior Change Department, aimed to educate communities about polio prevention and the importance of vaccination. Our goal was to address misconceptions, build trust in health interventions, and promote positive health behaviors to protect vulnerable populations from this preventable disease.
Our Approach:
Collaboration with Religious Leaders:
Recognizing the significant influence of religious leaders in Sudanese communities, we leveraged their support to spread crucial health messages. During the holy month of Ramadan, at the time of sunset prayers, these leaders addressed their congregations, using their platforms to provide critical information on polio prevention, symptoms, and the life-saving benefits of vaccination. This approach, supported by UNICEF’s Behavior Change Department, was essential in ensuring the message reached communities effectively.
Distribution of Iftar Meals:
As part of our campaign, we distributed Iftar meals during Ramadan, a time of fasting and reflection. These meals created an opportunity to connect with local communities and foster trust and friendship. After the meals, religious leaders and MercyCall volunteers engaged with attendees, holding discussions about the risks of polio and the importance of vaccination. This community-driven activity played a vital role in spreading health awareness.
Community Events in Rural Areas:
Our team organized over four major events in rural areas of Sudan, focusing on regions most vulnerable to polio outbreaks. These events included health education workshops, vaccination drives, and free medical consultations, ensuring local populations received essential health information directly from professionals and trusted community references. With UNICEF’s support, we reinforced key messages and created a platform for people to ask questions and receive accurate information about polio.
Raising Awareness in Local Communities:
Our initiatives also included the distribution of flyers, posters, and visual materials to raise awareness about polio in local languages. This ensured that information reached all community members, regardless of literacy levels, and emphasized the importance of vaccination and health protection.
Impact: Through our combined efforts, we reached hundreds of individuals in some of the most underserved rural areas of Sudan. By working with religious leaders, local influencers, and UNICEF's Behavior Change Department, we ensured that vital health messages about polio reached a wide audience, helping to enhance understanding and promote positive health behaviors. The success of this campaign stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and community engagement in improving public health outcomes.
Looking Ahead: While the 2023 Polio Awareness Campaign was successful, MercyCall remains committed to continuing its efforts in Sudan and other regions to combat preventable diseases and improve health outcomes. We will continue building on the relationships we have established and expanding our reach to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location, has access to the knowledge and resources needed to protect themselves and their families. Through our ongoing partnership with UNICEF's Behavior Change Department, we aim to enhance our awareness efforts and achieve lasting health improvements.
Join Us: Together, we can continue making a difference in the fight against polio and other preventable diseases. Your support helps us expand our reach and impact in the communities that need it most. Donate today and help us carry on our mission for health and hope for all. For more information on how you can support MercyCall initiatives in Sudan, please contact us or donate now.
