The Georgian Red Cross Society (GRCS) Expands Support in Kvemo Kartli Region through Improved Transportation Services

The organization refocused its assistance toward routine immunization in the Kvemo Kartli region; a region featuring the highest number of ethnic minorities in the country.

After a series of meetings with representatives from the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) at both central and local level GRCS highlighted critical gaps in transportation services for local populations in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Consequently, GRCS, in collaboration with NCDC, repurposed the mobile units initially used during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign for transporting individuals in remote areas to the closest primary healthcare centers for pre-scheduled routine vaccinations.

Central to this effort was the reorganization of the Rustavi center, which, had served as a primary vaccination point against COVID-19. With its new role as a transportation hub, the center now coordinates mobile units that transport residents—primarily children and their families—to healthcare units, ensuring their access to  routine vaccinations according to the National Immunization calendar. This logistical transformation has been instrumental in increasing the level of immunization coverage in the region.

‘If transportation services, were not provided by the Georgian Red Cross, I would not be able to vaccinate my children and prepare them for school. We live quite far form the medical center and being a housewife, I am completely busy with taking care of the whole family and household. You can imagine how difficult, if not impossible, it is for me to bring my small children to the medical center: no time, no means of transportation, and often – no money for transportation…’ – says 36 years old L.M, a local woman, who lives in the Lemshveniera village of the Kvemo Kartli region.

From just April to July 2024, the GRCS mobile units successfully transported and ensured vaccination of over 1,300 beneficiaries, significantly bolstering immunization efforts across Kvemo Kartli. This initiative is a testament to GRCS’s ability to adapt to changing public health needs, transitioning smoothly from the pandemic response to routine healthcare support.

The reorganization of resources has proven to be an effective and sustainable model to this date, ensuring continued access to essential vaccines for vulnerable rural populations. Due to the strong partnership with NCDC and local healthcare providers, GRCS is set to further expand its role in safeguarding peoples’ health in the Kvemo Kartli region, demonstrating the vital impact of its community-driven approach to public health needs. GRCS will work to ensure the sustainability of the service following project completion by engaging in advocacy efforts with both local and external partners.