COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in the country through community radio broadcasters have been removing fears and misconceptions among rural people about the vaccination process. Besides, interest in vaccination is increasing among them in rural Bangladesh.
Since February 7, 2021, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) has launched a special campaign through community radios to create awareness and demand about the importance of vaccination.
The purpose of the campaign is to inform the people about the activities undertaken by the government to identify misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information about the immunization program and to facilitate the lives and livelihoods of the people by providing scientific information to prevent the spreading of the issues. Awareness of possible physical problems after vaccination and inclusion of Dalits and disadvantaged communities such as barbers, sweepers, cobblers, blacksmiths, fishermen, transgender people, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized communities at risk in the immunization program.
Community radios are broadcasting various programs to create awareness about the COVID-19 vaccination and to prevent propaganda. The programs are News on immunization at the local level, interviews, experiences of vaccinators, members of COVID-19 immunization committee formed at the local level such as Deputy Commissioner, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Civil Surgeon, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, District and Upazila Parishad Chairman, Public Representatives, Radio Spot, Drama, Kathika, Jingle, Voxpop, Public Service Announcement (PSA), etc.
Radio programs are being provided information on why the vaccine for COVID-19 is important from a public health and socio-economic point of view, as well as who will be vaccinated first in the radio broadcast area, how the vaccine will be available, what to do after vaccination and at what stage Government instructions. Also contact the COVID-19 Vaccine Emergency Response Team-2021 to ensure proper vaccine management to prevent COVID-19, telephone number address, harmful and negative effects of vaccination misinformation and rumors, and to prevent false information and rumors. Information on the subject is also being disseminated through the programs.
In addition to broadcasting programs, some radio stations have launched COVID-19 vaccine registration help desks for their offices. Where radio broadcasters are helping the community people for registration.
Broadcasting on community radio has already made the community aware of the government’s response to the immunization program, and the programs are helping to raise awareness and demand for the importance of immunization is increasing day by day. It is expected that if the radio campaign on vaccination programs continues through providing scientific information, the fear and misconception is now gradually decreasing. At the same time, the people will be more aware and try to identify misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information and prevent the spread of common misconceptions which will play an effective role in keeping their lives and livelihood normal. Besides, the immunization program will ensure the inclusion of Dalits and disadvantaged communities, transgender people, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized communities at risk.
COVID-19: Vaccine Education Program & Counter Misinformation, Disinformation & Malinformation awareness campaign launched on Sunday 7th February 2021 through community radio in Bangladesh about COVID: 19 vaccination.
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus in March last year, BNNRC has been working with all community radio stations in Bangladesh to create and broadcast public awareness radio programs aimed at preventing its transmission and providing livelihood security.