VAnguard social science and engagement study reports

Persistent identifier

10.17037/PUBS.00005262

Description

The ultimate goal of the main study (which this preparatory study informed) was to identify modifiable structural, social and biological determinants of impaired vaccine impact in vulnerable African communities, and hence to develop integrated strategies to address them and to drive health equity.

This page contains three reports produced by the study team:

1. The ‘VAnguard Community Engagement report’ documents the field activities performed to prepare for ethnographic research in Koome Sub county in September 2023. Through stakeholder meetings, community barazas, and guided walks, the team gathered vital data on how misinformation, geographic isolation, and limited healthcare infrastructure contribute to vaccine hesitancy. The findings highlight a significant disparity in immunisation coverage across different villages, often exacerbated by high transport costs and a lack of health education.
2. The second document is a guide for Stakeholder Consultation and Categories that serves as a strategic manual for conducting consultations within the VAnguard project. Its primary themes cover engagement goals, addressing Barriers, stakeholder Groups, and methodology to be applied.
3. The third document is a stakeholder mapping and network analysis report, that details a comprehensive mapping and network analysis for vaccine programmes in Uganda and Kenya. Using a tool called "GroupMap," stakeholders were plotted on a matrix based on their influence and interest.

Data collection methods

Through stakeholder meetings, community barazas, and guided walks, the team gathered vital data on how misinformation, geographic isolation, and limited healthcare infrastructure contribute to vaccine hesitancy.

The stakeholder consultation strategy employed interpersonal channels, consultative meetings with health managers, and participatory communication tools like radio programmes and folk media. Key categories for engagement include health-rights activists, front-line workers, religious and local leaders, community health volunteers, and civil society actors.

Geographic regions

Kilifi County in Kenya and Koome main Island in Uganda

Key dates

• May 2023: A comprehensive mapping and network analysis for vaccine programmes in Uganda and Kenya.
• 5 – 14 September 2023: Community entry and engagement performed as part ethnographic research in Koome Sub county, Mukono District

Population

Population in Kilifi County in Kenya and Koome Island in Uganda

Keywords

Vaccine hesitancy, Uganda, immunisation

Language of written material

English

Project information

Creators

Associated roles

File description

VAnguard Community Engagement report

This report documents the actual field activities conducted in Koome Sub county in September 2023 to prepare for ethnographic research.  The VAnguard study sought to identify the social, structural, and biological factors that determine vaccine access in vulnerable island populations.

Through stakeholder meetings, community barazas, and guided walks, the team gathered vital data on how misinformation, geographic isolation, and limited healthcare infrastructure contribute to vaccine hesitancy.

The findings highlight a significant disparity in immunisation coverage across different villages, often exacerbated by high transport costs and a lack of health education.

To address these gaps, the report recommends tailored communication strategies and the active involvement of local leaders and village health teams to foster trust. Ultimately, the document serves as a foundation for future ethnographic research aimed at promoting health equity and improving public health outcomes in the region.

Guide for Stakeholder Consultation and Categories

This document serves as a strategic manual for conducting consultations within the VAnguard project. Its primary themes include:

• Engagement Goals: The guide focuses on identifying key networks and power relations, securing community buy-in, and establishing mechanisms for stakeholders to participate in decision-making and protocol development.
• Addressing Barriers: It emphasizes the need to identify and debunk vaccination myths and misinformation while ensuring that communication is clear, timely, and culturally appropriate.
• Stakeholder Groups: Key categories for engagement include health-rights activists, front-line workers, religious and local leaders, community health volunteers, and civil society actors.
• Methodology: The strategy employs interpersonal channels, consultative meetings with health managers, and participatory communication tools like radio programmes and folk media

Stakeholder mapping and network analysis report

This report, dated May 2023, details a comprehensive mapping and network analysis for vaccine programmes in Uganda and Kenya.

Methodology: Using a tool called "GroupMap," stakeholders were plotted on a matrix based on their influence and interest.

Geographic Focus: The initial analysis specifically targets Kilifi County in Kenya and Koome main Island in Uganda.