What is Sarawak doing to improve rural Covid-19 vaccination access?

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Sarawak Enhances Rural Covid-19 Vaccination Outreach Systems

The Sarawak government is developing a more effective system to reach and engage rural populations in its Covid-19 vaccination program. This initiative stems from observed difficulties in connecting with individuals in remote areas, particularly those with limited communication infrastructure. The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) is expected to propose specific improvements to address these challenges.
Addressing Communication Barriers in Remote Areas

Challenges in reaching rural communities have become apparent, especially in areas with poor communication and telecommunication networks. The Sarawak government has encountered instances where individuals, like 72 people in Sibu and 80 in Kapit, did not appear for their scheduled vaccinations and could not be contacted. These difficulties highlight the need for a system that can overcome geographical and technological limitations.
Identifying Specific Registration and Notification Issues

Several specific problems have been identified that hinder effective outreach. These include elderly individuals not regularly checking their mobile phones for MySejahtera notifications, leading them to miss appointment dates. Furthermore, discrepancies between addresses on MyKad and actual residences, along with a segment of the population lacking mobile phones altogether, complicate the notification process.
Proposing Manual Registration and Resident Office Coordination

To manage the substantial number of manual registrations, estimated at 600,000, and to assist those without phone numbers, a new approach is being considered. It is proposed that individuals without personal phone numbers can register using the contact details of their respective Resident's Offices. This would allow officers at these offices to contact vaccine recipients directly with their appointment details once confirmed.
Streamlining Information Flow to District Offices

Under the proposed system, lists containing the names and addresses of rural residents could be forwarded to District Offices. These offices would then assume the responsibility of informing individuals about their vaccination appointment dates. This structured approach aims to ensure that information reaches the intended recipients in the interior, thereby improving vaccination program efficacy.

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What is Sarawak doing to improve rural Covid-19 vaccination access?

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