Technical Article

The Untold Story of Community Mobilizers Re-engaging a Disengaged Community During the Endemic Era of India’s Polio Eradication Program

Key Messages

• Programs, no matter how vital, cannot be pushed into communities without proper information preceding them.
• People are suspicious of handouts especially when there is no rapport with the service providers.
• Misinformation will lead to suspicion and refusals.
• Good public health infrastructure engenders trust between the health service providers and communities.
• Policy makers need to realize that even the most disenfranchised have entitlements.
• Communication skills among the frontline workers are a must.
• Program managers would do well to interact with the decision makers in the community and take their inputs before planning any intervention.