ARPA – COVID-19 Vaccination Project

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected marginalized communities, including transgender individuals, MSM, sex workers, and People Living with HIV (PLHIV). Many faced barriers to healthcare access, such as stigma, lack of valid identity documents, misinformation, and fear of discrimination at vaccination centres. To address these challenges, INFOCEM implemented the ARPA (American Relief Plan Action) COVID-19 Vaccination Project, supported by LEPRA Society under USAID Grant, ensuring equitable vaccine access, increasing awareness, and strengthening healthcare linkages for these vulnerable populations.

Project Objectives

1. Awareness & Community Mobilization

Conducted targeted awareness campaigns within transgender, MSM, sex worker, and PLHIV communities about the importance of COVID-19 vaccination.

Organized peer-led sensitization sessions to dispel myths, address vaccine hesitancy, and provide accurate information on vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Distributed multilingual educational materials and used social media, WhatsApp groups, and community meetings to spread awareness.

2. Facilitating Access to Vaccination

Assisted individuals in registering on the CoWIN portal and booking vaccination appointments.

Coordinated with local health departments to establish community-friendly vaccination camps at Drop-in Canters, sex worker hotspots, and PLHIV support groups.

Provided free transportation support for individuals facing mobility challenges, ensuring they reached vaccination centers without difficulty.

Ensured privacy and confidentiality for PLHIV individuals, allowing them to get vaccinated in a safe and stigma-free environment.

3. Overcoming Barriers to Vaccination

Supported individuals without valid ID proofs, such as Aadhaar cards, in accessing vaccines through alternative documentation mechanisms.

Partnered with hospitals, NGOs, and government agencies to ensure a discrimination-free and inclusive vaccination experience.

Engaged peer educators and community leaders to build trust and encourage vaccination uptake among sex workers and PLHIV individuals.

4. Post-Vaccination Follow-up & Support

Conducted regular follow-ups to ensure individuals completed their full vaccination schedule, including second doses and booster shots.

Provided post-vaccination care kits, including essential medications, hydration packs, and guidelines on managing side effects.

Linked individuals experiencing adverse effects to healthcare facilities and emergency medical support.

Impact of the Project

Through this initiative, INFOCEM successfully:

✅ Vaccinated thousands of transgender persons, MSM, sex workers, and PLHIV individuals, protecting them from severe COVID-19 risks.

✅ Increased vaccine confidence within high-risk communities through targeted education and peer-driven outreach.

✅ Strengthened healthcare linkages, ensuring that marginalized populations could access mainstream health services beyond COVID-19 vaccination.

✅ Advocated for inclusive vaccination policies, urging health authorities to adopt non-discriminatory practices for vulnerable groups.

By addressing systemic healthcare barriers, INFOCEM continues to champion equitable access to healthcare, safety, and empowerment for all communities.