Immunization coverage remains low in several parts of Northern Nigeria due to mistrust, cultural barriers, and weak connections between communities and the health system. According to the 2023–24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), only 39% of children aged 12–23 months are fully immunized nationwide, while about 31% have never received any vaccine.
To help close this gap, our team adopted a people-centered social and behavior change (SBC) approach that focused on building trust and collaboration between communities, health workers, and leaders-especially during the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine introduction in Phase 1 States. Communities were not just participants but partners, helping identify barriers, suggest solutions, and take action. Activities included community dialogues, training of traditional and religious leaders, and feedback sessions that strengthened accountability.
At the national level, we engaged stakeholders from education, media, and civil society organizations (CSOs), worked with social media influencers using social listening insights, and deployed motorized vans that drew large, curious crowds and boosted demand.
The MR campaign achieved 95% coverage, with 81,096 non-compliance cases identified and 66,302 resolved through continuous community engagement. The experience showed how collaboration, trust, and consistent communication can turn hesitation into participation and help communities lead the change they want to see.
Immunization coverage remains low in several parts of Northern Nigeria due to mistrust, cultural barriers, and weak connections between communities and the health system. According to the 2023–24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), only 39% of children aged 12–23 months are fully immunized nationwide, while about 31% have never received any vaccine.
To help close this gap, our team adopted a people-centered social and behavior change (SBC) approach that focused on building trust and collaboration between communities, health workers, and leaders-especially during the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine introduction in Phase 1 States. Communities were not just participants but partners, helping identify barriers, suggest solutions, and take action. Activities included community dialogues, training of traditional and religious leaders, and feedback sessions that strengthened accountability.
At the national level, we engaged stakeholders from education, media, and civil society organizations (CSOs), worked with social media influencers using social listening insights, and deployed motorized vans that drew large, curious crowds and boosted demand.
The MR campaign achieved 95% covera ...
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