The Challenge
As of May 2021, out of the 21.5 million targeted elderly population across the country, the Indonesian government has only managed to vaccinate 13% of this population. While the vaccination coverage in the Jabodetabek area is relatively high (70-80%), the coverage in the worst-affected provinces (including Central Java, Yogyakarta, Bali, and South Sulawesi) is much lower than the national average. In 2022, the Australia-Indonesia Health Security Partnership (AIHSP) entrusted ID COMM with conducting media and community engagement for risk communication on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and preventive actions to widen access for older adults and people with disabilities in Yogyakarta, Central Java, and South Sulawesi. AIHSP’s program is a form of support for the Indonesian Government’s efforts to accelerate vaccine rollout at the four priority provinces.
Our Approach
ID COMM started by strengthening its knowledge through media monitoring, content analysis, and social listening across relevant social media platforms. Then, the team developed an index/knowledge management system, formulated accurate facts and narratives, designed communication products, and invited organizations for persons with disabilities and other civil society organizations (SIGAB, FODIS, and MAFINDO) to take part in the creation of the communication products. ID COMM also focused on establishing relations with the media by hosting a training program on risk communication related to COVID-19 and providing fellowships for journalists. The team also composed human interest stories, conducted media pitches, disseminated press releases, produced articles aimed at being published in the editor’s opinion column, invited journalists to participate in VAHSI’s program activities, and promoted the Inclusive COVID-19 Vaccination Program in local media (especially radio). Furthermore, the AIHSP-ID COMM collaboration also generated programs such as webinars/online learning sessions, workshops involving community groups, and an FGD with stakeholders in South Sulawesi. The team also introduced the “COVID-19 Inclusive Vaccination for Persons with Disabilities” pilot program in the Maros, Pinrang, Enrekang, Bone, and Gowo Regencies in South Sulawesi province. The team also spread information on exemplary practices from the inclusive vaccination series to stakeholders in South Sulawesi, namely regional government agencies, organizations of people with disabilities, CSOs, academicians, the private sector, media, and religious figures.
The Result
The inclusive vaccination program series increased the visibility, popularity, and reputation of relevant organizations that are VAHSI’s work partners. Members of these organizations were involved, either as speakers, resource persons, or experts in empowering people with disabilities. Furthermore, ID COMM’s monitoring detected increased ability from members of organizations to produce digital content that brings economic benefits. In addition, an Inclusive Student Activity Unit (UKM) and the UNHAS Center for Disabilities were established at Hasanuddin University (UNHAS). The ID COMM team also successfully urged the creation of a standard operating guidance for implementing inclusive vaccination to serve as a future reference. The program also managed to influence religious groups to provide inclusive services in places of worship. During the inclusive vaccination program, a micro-funding grant from Harvard University realized wider opportunities to facilitate collaboration between Student Activity Units at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta and local organizations to improve health worker skills in accommodating people with disabilities. ID COMM’s program directly and indirectly contributed to the total vaccination among people with disabilities: 3,002 people in South Sulawesi, 1,388 people in Bali, 1,625 people in Yogyakarta, and 3,702 people in Central Java. The team also noticed stronger political will from local governments to improve the quality of health services for vulnerable groups. For example, patient forms at local health clinics (Puskesmas) were modified to accommodate the profiles and health records of people with disabilities. A risk communication strategy document for responding to health crises was distributed in 10 districts, while the inclusive COVID-19 vaccination program model is being implemented in 24 districts. Lastly, the inclusive vaccination series also urged a more proactive method from regional government agencies, such as the Department of Population and Civil Registry’s decision to intensify a house-to-house approach when registering individuals with disabilities.