9.3.2 Advocacy
Advocacy is a process or activity that aims to influences politicians, policy-makers and opinion leaders. In the context of EPI activities, this could refer to an activity that aims to gain the support of stakeholders, community leaders and local politicians, and to encourage community acceptance of and commitment to the EPI. There are many activities and strategies that can be used in advocacy. Here are some of them:
- lobbying
- meetings
- negotiation
- project visits
- use of information and education resources.
Imagine that a new vaccine is being added to the routine EPI schedule, but no decision has yet been reached about when it will be available for your kebele. You may need to undertake some advocacy activities in order to speed up the decision to make it available locally. What do you think the most appropriate activities might be in this situation?
Appropriate advocacy activities might include negotiation with local political and community leaders, as well as women’s and youth groups. You will need to provide them with information on the new vaccine, its safety, the diseases it can prevent and the particular needs of your community to receive its protection.
9.3.1 Common methods of BCC in immunization