The VIMS Model: Digitalizing Immunization in Three Rural Health Centres in Uganda's Low-Resource Regions

Ephrance Nuwamanya of Bushenyi Integrated Rural Development (BIRD) in Uganda will improve routine immunization coverage in Uganda by developing a digital system for health centers to record births and vaccinations, send automated reminders and education messages to families via SMS, and monitor vaccine orders and supplies. Vaccinations can prevent many potentially deadly diseases. However, few children are properly vaccinated across many sub-Saharan African countries, and there is no effective way to monitor vaccinations and educate families. To address this, whey will optimize their digital system for data collection and management of newborns and vaccinations, and integrate it with existing databases and hospital management systems. They will pilot test their approach in three district health centers in rural Uganda by teaching the health workers and local communities about their vaccination and information management system (VIMS), and evaluating its impact on the timeliness and coverage of vaccinations.