The Coca-Cola Foundation has provided funding to The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to accelerate vaccination of more Nigerians in critical states as a way of reducing the impact and spread of COVID-19. The grant, awarded through the #StoptheSpread Fund, administered by the Coca-Cola Foundation is valued at $350,000 and will focus on increasing vaccine uptake and logistic support in key states where there has been established vaccine hesitancy in Nigeria. IFRC will work with local Red Cross Society teams and volunteers to execute the program.
“This donation will enable the Nigerian Red Cross access some of the hardest to reach communities in Nigeria. If we are to have any chance at stopping COVID-19 transmission, we must ensure that we make it possible for these communities to not just understand the danger this virus portends, but also through personal protection and access to vaccination.”, said Abubakar Kende.
The mobilization campaign will see the Nigeria Red Cross creating public enlightenment messages about the benefits of taking the vaccine as well as helping interested persons find a vaccination site closest to them. Red Cross volunteers have already commenced Risk Communication and Community Engagement activities in communities in Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kogi, Ebonyi and Edo states.
As part of the intervention and community advocacy, the Red Cross Volunteers will provide useful information to members of communities about the benefits of the vaccine, quell rumors and myths associated with COVID-19, and provide clear answers to questions relating to the pandemic as well as direct community members to medical facilities where they can get vaccinated safely. The campaign will run until October 2022
