This project, funded by the SABIN Vaccines Institute, aimed to roll out an experimental social science research training program for community health workers in border areas in Kambia District, Sierra Leone, that have experienced particular vaccination challenges, including reported hesitancy. CHWs were trained in basic qualitative research methods (participant observation, interviews and focus groups discussions) and collected data in five selected border communities (Phase 1). This data was be analysed in order to contribute to a revision of the district community engagement strategy. Following this revision, trainees conducted another round of research (Phase 2) to get community feedback on the new strategy, in order to evaluate targeted engagement strategies based on rapid but rigorous qualitative research.

Vaccine Confidence, Epidemic preparedness, Vaccine hesitancy, Medical anthropology