Soweto, Kibra—In a densely populated area where the spread of contagious diseases is a heightened concern, Angela Nzilani has been a beacon of preventative healthcare. Despite being visually impaired, Nzilani engaged in home visitation at the height of the Covid-19 vaccination drive, working alongside health officers under the then Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).

According to a new release by Kenya News Agency, the Deputy Director in charge of promotive and preventive health under NMS, Nzilani was part of a larger network of over 1,500 healthcare workers and community health volunteers trained to administer the vaccine and properly inform the public. Nzilani herself was responsible for the health of 100 households in the Soweto area and also extended her services to people living with disabilities outside her jurisdiction.

Nzilani’s main mission was to persuade members of the households under her care to get vaccinated against Covid-19. This was especially critical at a time when vaccine apathy was noted in several parts of Nairobi, including its informal settlements. Confronted by myths, misconceptions, and outright refusals, Nzilani would resort to sharing her personal experience, having taken all recommended doses and boosters without adverse effects.

The NMS aimed to promote equitable access to vaccines, and Nzilani paid special attention to the visually impaired, fearing they might be overlooked. She was successful in persuading individuals like Michael Wamae to get vaccinated at the AMREF health facility within the settlement.

Challenges persisted, including the spread of misinformation, as evidenced by Esther Nduku, another visually impaired individual who initially refused to take the booster shot based on unfounded fears. Nzilani and her accompanying healthcare workers would counter such reluctance with facts, explaining the necessity of vaccination.

According to Dr. Ngunu, these volunteers play a critical role in battling the “infodemic” spread via social media, and people should rely on credible information obtainable from the Ministry of Health or their nearest healthcare facility.

The concerted efforts were inching closer to achieving the goal of vaccinating at least three million Nairobi residents by the end of the campaign. For Nzilani, the progress signaled that her volunteer spirit had not been in vain.