By Susan Gana Okonkwo

Creating Demand for Vaccine Uptake in Borno State is USAID funded project implemented by SFH in partnership with IRC under the HeRON project. This project targets 18 local government areas (LGAs) in Borno State with low COVID-19 vaccine uptake with the intention of raising the vaccination rate from 50% to 70% within a span of two months. The strategies being employed includes:

Mass media campaign: Engaging radio and TV platforms to broadcast jingles and talk shows that provide accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine. The aim is to dispel myths and misinformation while linking adults aged 18 and above to vaccination locations.

Social media campaign: Leveraging the influence of social media influencers to combat COVID-19 mis/disinformation. These influencers use their platforms on blogs, Facebook, Instagram, and more to share relevant and accurate information about COVID-19 and the vaccination process, ultimately increasing vaccine visibility and uptake.

Community demand generation: SFH is employing a human-centered design approach, collaborating with state actors, media outlets, target audiences, gatekeepers, healthcare workers (HCWs), and community-based organisations (CBOs). Together, they co-create messages to mobilise the community and address vaccine hesitancy, particularly among the target populations.

Community-based organisations (CBOs): CBOs play a crucial role in conducting door-to-door campaigns, working alongside traditional institutions, religious leaders, and community structures like CHIPs, WDCs, community health implementers, and health promoters. Their aim is to dispel myths and misunderstandings surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and promote acceptance within the communities.

Production and distribution of IEC materials: The project has developed strategic SBCC materials, which are deployed at the community level during door-to-door campaigns, raising community awareness, and mobilising individuals to get vaccinated.

The service objectives of this project are to improve COVID-19 vaccine visibility and uptake through social media platforms, reduce vaccine hesitancy among the target populations, ensure effective vaccination campaigns by reaching the intended populations, and strengthen the capacity of the media, community-based organisations, and key actors to use human-centered design approaches in generating demand for COVID-19 vaccines.

These comprehensive strategies are being implemented to address vaccine hesitancy, combat misinformation, and mobilise communities to embrace the COVID-19 vaccination in Borno State. With concerted efforts and the involvement of various stakeholders, the project aims to achieve its vaccination goals and protect the population against the disease.