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=='''STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE I&E ECOSYSTEM (2025)'''==
=== '''Strategy #1 Implementation of a University Vaccination Hub (Vacunate UCU)''' ===
Vaccination is one of the most effective public health strategies, reducing morbidity and mortality, while also promoting equity in access to healthcare. Bringing vaccination to the university environment has the potential to increase adherence among young adults, one of the age groups with the lowest vaccination coverage.
'''Our challenge:'''
Many students do not get vaccinated due to barriers such as lack of time, distance from vaccination centers, misinformation, or lack of awareness. Creating an accessible, student-driven vaccination hub on campus aims to eliminate these barriers and respond to the reality shown in our survey.
'''Survey findings (baseline evidence):'''
* Out of 200 students surveyed (100 women and 100 men, all under 26 years old):
** '''73% of women''' and '''46% of men''' reported being vaccinated.
** '''21% of women''' and '''42% of men''' said they were not vaccinated.
** '''6% of women''' and '''12% of men''' answered ''“I don’t know”''.
* Main barriers identified: '''lack of time''', '''distance to vaccination centers''', and '''limited information about certain vaccines'''.
* Motivation: most students expressed that they would be more likely to get vaccinated if the service was offered on campus, due to convenience, trust in the academic environment, and minimal disruption to daily activities.
'''Activities:'''
* Design and launch a '''pilot vaccination hub''' on campus, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MSP), RAP-ASSE, and UCU’s Student Wellbeing office.
* Train '''student ambassadors''' to promote vaccination among their peers, address doubts, and encourage participation.
* Develop and implement a '''communication campaign''' with posters, social media posts, and videos debunking myths and reinforcing vaccine benefits.
* Implement an '''integrated booking system''' with QR codes to simplify appointment scheduling and reduce waiting times.
* Provide '''incentives''' (discounts, food vouchers, free merchandise) to increase participation rates.
* Collect and analyze '''data from the pilot''', comparing actual participation with survey expectations and measuring impact on vaccination coverage.
* Prepare a '''final report''' with results, barriers identified, and recommendations for scale-up in future semesters.
'''How will it be financially sustained?'''
* By establishing partnerships with the MSP for vaccine provision and logistical support.
* Through university funding (Bienestar Universitario, Faculty of Health, Rector’s Office) to cover communication, materials, and logistics.
* By securing sponsorships from private companies (food, beverage, or health-related brands) that can provide incentives.
* By integrating the hub as a '''long-term health service''' within UCU, linked to the university health clinic.
