TRACE was a project funded by the Australia Indonesia Health Security Partnership (AIHSP) through Save the Children with the goal to support the Government of Indonesia in accelerating efforts to expand COVID-19 vaccination coverage and implementing preventive behaviors in four priority provinces. Particularly, the project targeted the vulnerable population groups at risk of COVID-19 —namely, the elderly (over 60 years of age), people with disabilities, and unvaccinated people as a result of social and economic factors— to enable them make informed decision to protect themselves and their families from the disease. As critical components of the project, it emphasized gender equality, disability, social inclusion (GEDSI), and child protection. All activities had to consider how health policies impact women and men from different backgrounds and contexts and respectively children who were deemed vulnerable groups. This project used the risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) framework, which is a critical component in health emergency preparedness and response activities. RCCE framework is important in building a coordinated, clear, and credible communication system to minimize the health, social, and economic impact on the population, especially the vulnerable groups.

Jalin Foundation’s role was at the national level whereas above all led the formative assessment of Community Perception and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination and Implementation of an Inclusive COVID-19 Vaccination Program. The result was used as the evidence-based to inform the development of the RCCE framework. At the sub-national level, Jalin Foundation facilitated RCCE development with provincial partners.