Tripura and Nilgiris show the way

Tamil Nadu’s mountainous Nilgiris district, on Wednesday, achieved 100% partial vaccination (one dose) of its tribal population. A similar story of success has emerged from Tripura. With 98% of its 45-plus population and 80% of the 18-plus population getting at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, the state has one of the highest vaccination figures in the country. Local administrations in both regions had to overcome stiff challenges, particularly the remote location of many villages and a high level of vaccine hesitancy.

In both Tripura and Nilgiris, the local authorities used innovative methods to convince people about the importance of taking the Covid-19 vaccines. In Nilgiris, the district administration brought together members of a Scheduled Tribes council, doctors, and civil society to dispel rumours that vaccine recipients would die after taking a dose or that taking the jab causes impotence in men. In Tripura, the chief minister sent personalised letters, exhorting people to get vaccinated, in Hindi, Bengali and Kokborok. In both regions, frontline health staff trekked for miles to reach the last vaccine-eligible person.

These two success stories show that it is essential to invest in vaccine-related communication and confidence-building measures before starting the actual process; involve all stakeholders in the drive; build a strong cadre of frontline health staff who are well-trained, motivated, and adequately compensated; and pay special attention to the disadvantaged and marginalised. From the east and the south, there is a lesson for the rest of India.