Closing the Immunization Gap: How a Municipality Is Reaching Every Child?

The project began with inclusive microplanning, bringing together mayors, ward chairs, health officers, and Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) to map out underserved areas and develop tailored vaccine delivery strategies. 

To support real-time tracking of zero-dose and under-immunized children, Bhanu integrated a digital child-tracking module into its existing eHMIS 4.2 platform. Parents received SMS reminders for vaccination days, while mobile vaccination teams were deployed to remote areas - particularly during the monsoon season, when access was most difficult. 

A combination of strategic planning, capacity building, and grassroots engagement made the approach effective and replicable: 

Health workers and FCHVs were trained in the use of digital tracking, vaccine communication, and eHMIS reporting

Local stakeholders helped identifying, mapping and reaching marginalized households

eHMIS 4.2 upgrades, SMS alerts, and real-time tracking

Vaccines delivered to hard-to-reach areas if found un-vaccinated or under-vaccinated

Regular stakeholder meetings helped reduce vaccine hesitancy

Bhanu Municipality’s success offers valuable lessons for other municipalities aiming to close the immunization gap: 

• Continue integrating zero-dose tracking into eHMIS platforms 

• Expand mobile vaccine services in hard-to-reach areas 

• Invest in digital literacy training for FCHVs 

• Institutionalize SMS reminders for caregivers  

• Standardize microplanning for equitable vaccine access 

Its experience is a compelling reminder that even in remote corners of the world, the right mix of tools, training, and trust can ensure that every child is counted and vaccinated.