U.S. Ambassador Presents Immunization Merit Badges to Scouts In Indonesia
March 23—Click here to read a press release from the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia on the awarding of merit badges by Ambassador Cameron R. Hume to boy and girl scouts who are part of an innovative vaccination promotion initiative that was developed by the Indonesian Ministry of Health and the Millennium Challenge Corporation/Indonesia Immunization Project (MCCI/IP).
MCCI/IP, which is implemented by USAID/BASICS, began work with the Ministry of Health in 2007 to assist the national scouting organization of Indonesia, known as Pramuka, in developing a comprehensive training program on childhood immunization. The program mobilizes high school-aged scouts to educate their families on immunization and encourage neighbors to immunize children. The scouts also participate in immunization days at local health centers, counseling mothers about immunization and helping to address their concerns.
Between September 2008 and January 2009, Pramuka issued merit badges to over 2,000 youth. Pramuka is also working to inform Indonesian parliamentarians about immunization to institutionalize local government support for immunization into district plans and budgets.