Prominent research organisation, Agency4ALL unveiled the results of an extensive study on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Nigeria. The research findings were disseminated on Wednesday, shedding light on the factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy while also proposing potential solutions.
Core group dissemination consultant and executive director of Vaccine Network, Mrs. Chika Offor spoke at the event in Abuja. She shared that the groundbreaking research aimed to provide insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public. The goal was to enhance vaccine confidence and uptake within the nation.
Offor also highlighted the objective of communicating the research findings, their programmatic implications and policy impacts of the A4ALL project in Nigeria. This initiative seeks to encourage strategic stakeholders to integrate the research results into risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) programming. It also aims to foster commitment among stakeholders to transform RCCE programming for COVID-19 vaccine uptake, routine vaccinations, life-course vaccination programmes and future pandemics based on solid evidence.
She emphasised how the research findings would play a significant role in elevating vaccine confidence and diminishing vaccine hesitancy in Nigeria.
Director of the Agency4All project, Dr. Rebecka Lundgren emphasised the importance of effective communication in translating data into action. Lundgren stated, “The key to moving data into action is understanding the group you are communicating with and ensuring that your communication caters to their needs”.
Coordinator of the African Health Budget Network, Dr. Aminu Magashi also shared insights at the event. He underscored the impact of the research on improving the country’s management of infodemics. Magashi highlighted that the findings would be crucial for the new government administration’s efforts in building a better nation.
According to a report by the World Health Organisation, from January 3, 2020 to August 16, 2023, Nigeria recorded 266,675 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 3,155 deaths. As of August 6, 2023, a total of 128,382,195 vaccine doses had been administered, covering around 60 per cent of the country’s population against COVID-19.
The event not only presented strategies for enhancing vaccination and immunisation during pandemic outbreaks but also provided insights into the upcoming human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign that will soon be launched across the country.
