Notify Health’s Reminder System Enhances Immunisation Efforts In Kogi

Notify Health has said that it will continue to work towards improving immunisation outcomes in Kogi State, saying that the organisation remains committed to ensuring that every child receives the life-saving vaccines they need to thrive.

Notify Health is a non-profit organisation supporting healthcare systems through its automated message and voice-based vaccination reminders for parents of newborn children. Their reminders notify parents based on the local routine vaccination schedule.

Cofounder of Notify Health, Dr. Samuel Harvey, who stated this during a partners’ forum meeting held in Lokoja on Monday, emphasised the importance of collaborative strategies to address gaps in healthcare delivery.

According to him, during the enrolment of children into the system, 45 facilities were used, while over 80 health workers were trained, adding that 2163 children were enrolled and 30,000 messages were sent in both English and local languages.

He noted that immunisation reminders could play a vital role in closing gaps in coverage in Kogi State. He stressed that with the support of its partners and stakeholders, Notify Health is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and families in the state.

He noted that by leveraging technology and partnerships, Notify Health is demonstrating the potential for innovative solutions to drive meaningful change in public health.

Dr. Samuel further explained that simple reminder messages can make a significant difference in ensuring that children receive life-saving vaccines on schedule.

The programme, which partners with the Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Renaissance Care and Empowerment Foundation (RECEF) and Primary Health Centers, involves enrolling children into the programme using existing immunisation registers at health facilities.

Dr. Harvey further elaborated on the programme’s design, stating that Notify Health designs reminders that work in the local context, translating and recording messages in the language most suited to caregivers.

This approach, he noted has shown to be effective in improving immunization outcomes in other settings, and Notify Health is confident that it can make a similar impact in Kogi State.

The reminders are sent via SMS and automated voice calls, making it possible to reach thousands of caregivers and improve immunisation outcomes.

According to Dr. Harvey, phone ownership is on the rise in Kogi State, and Notify Health aims to leverage this trend to bridge the immunisation gap by sending reminders to caregivers.

Notify Health hopes to ensure that every child receives the life-saving vaccines they need to thrive.

Speaking earlier, the Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, expressed gratitude for Notify Health’s commitment to enhancing immunisation outcomes within the state.

The commissioner who was represented by Mr. Ayiedogbo Johnson, Director of Health Planning, Research, and Statistics, emphasised the importance of collaborative strategies to address gaps in healthcare delivery.

He noted that this meeting serves as a platform to explore innovative approaches to improve immunisation rates, ensuring that more children receive essential life-saving vaccines.

Dr. Abdulazeez further underscored the significance of Notify Health’s initiative in bolstering the state’s public health efforts. “We are dedicated to collaborating with Notify Health and other partners to guarantee that every child in Kogi State has access to life-saving vaccines,” he stated.

By partnering with Notify Health, the Kogi State government aims to harness its expertise and resources to create a substantial impact on public health.

UNICEF representative Hasid Abidjan reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Kogi State’s immunisation initiatives. He outlined UNICEF’s multifaceted role, which includes advocacy, communication, social mobilisation, awareness campaigns, vaccination support, and security assistance. “Together, we can make a significant impact,” Abidjan emphasized, highlighting the importance of collaboration in achieving shared health goals.

Abidjan also stressed the critical role of immunization in promoting child health and well-being. “Immunization is one of the most effective means of protecting children against vaccine-preventable diseases,” he remarked. Through its partnership with Notify Health, UNICEF aims to leverage its expertise and resources to enhance immunisation outcomes in Kogi State, ultimately safeguarding the health of its youngest residents.

Speaking also, the WHO state coordinator highlighted the significance of Notify Health’s intervention in supporting polio eradication efforts. “The Notify Health initiative will go a long way in supporting our efforts to eradicate polio in Kogi State,” the coordinator stated. By providing reminders to caregivers, Notify Health is helping to ensure that children receive the vaccines they need to stay healthy and protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.

The coordinator further emphasised the importance of collaboration in achieving public health goals. “We are committed to working with Notify Health and other partners to ensure that every child in Kogi State has access to life-saving vaccines,” the coordinator said. This partnership is crucial in addressing the immunisation gap in the state and ensuring that every child receives the vaccines they need.

Chief Medical Director of the Kogi State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Olayemi Ayo, welcomed the partnership between Notify Health and the state’s healthcare system. “I’m glad to meet you for the first time, and I’m anxious to learn more about your organisation and its mission,” Dr. Olayemi stated. He emphasised the importance of collaboration, noting that the Hospital Management Board is always eager to partner with organisations that share a common goal of improving healthcare outcomes.

Dr. Olayemi further expressed his optimism about the potential of the partnership to yield valuable knowledge and insights. “I think we’re going to pass on all your knowledge and be able to move forward,” he said, thanking Notify Health for their presence and looking forward to a productive partnership.