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Female Mobilizer Vaccinator (FMV) Program Afghanistan

Afghanistan, South Asia

The Female Mobilizer Vaccinator program deploys local Afghan women to conduct daily health education sessions for women across hundreds of locations. FMVs address topics including nutrition, hygiene, breastfeeding, and vaccination (polio, measles, tetanus). In conservative areas where women cannot interact with male health workers or leave home without a mahram, FMVs provide trusted access. Piloted in 2020 and expanded to 20 of 34 provinces, the program increased vaccination rates and improved community trust in the healthcare system.

Behavior Goal

Increase vaccination coverage, improve maternal and child health knowledge, and build community trust in healthcare through culturally appropriate female-to-female health education

Implementers & Partners

  • UNICEF
  • WHO
  • Afghanistan Ministry of Public Health
  • Global Polio Eradication Initiative

Donors & Sponsors

  • Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Rotary International
  • Japan
  • Saudi Arabia
  • USAID

Key Takeaways

  • 1Female-to-female communication overcomes cultural barriers in conservative communities
  • 2Daily health education sessions cover rotating topics for comprehensive coverage
  • 3FMVs build trust as community members speaking to neighbors
  • 4Expanded from pilot to 20 provinces demonstrating scalability
  • 5Reaching women means reaching children - reducing zero-dose vaccination rates

Sources

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