Immunization as a means of preventing infectious diseases presents a significant opportunity to improve childhood health and secure long-term social and economic benefits later in life. However, immunization coverage in Zambia remains low, averaging between 65 and 70 per cent, and continues to pose a risk to the overall child population; hence, there is a need to bridge the gap in child immunization.

The Development Aid from People to People (DAPP), through the Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ) and the GAVI-Vaccine Alliance, implements the Total Control of Child Immunization (TCCI) project in Solwezi and Kalumbila Districts of North-Western Province of Zambia. 

The project operates in 88 Government health facilities that are enrolled (32 in Solwezi and 56 in Kalumbila) in the program, working with 174 Community-based Volunteers to create demand for immunization services in communities with zero dose (never been immunized), under-immunised and missed children in communities.

It identifies, orients and engages Community Gatekeepers at all levels (traditional and faith-based leaders and other influential people) to take part in advocacy activities. It also strengthens partnerships with local and community actors in child immunization services. Knowledge, attitude and behaviour change through dialogue meetings, door-to-door sensitization, male involvement in child health, and commuter sensitization are some of the community engagement strategies that have been successful so far in bringing children to care.

Key challenges keeping children from vaccination in the community include religious/cultural beliefs, long distances to health facilities and (and inadequate outreach services, which at times are only conducted twice a year, leading to default of vaccination), and low male involvement in child health.

In the last quarter of 2024, 94% of defaulter children that were traced from the community were immunized, while immunization of zero-dose children stood at 92%.

Project Full Name: Total Control of Child Immunisation (TCCI)

Principal Partners: Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunisation (GAVI) and Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ)

Other Partners: Ministry of Health (MoH)

Location: Solwezi and Kalumbila of North Western Province