In 2023, Nigeria faced a resurgence of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2), with 174 cases reported across four northwestern states: Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara. This outbreak was largely due to vaccine hesitancy as a result of cultural beliefs or misconceptions, poor community engagement practices, limited access to vaccination services in hard-to-reach areas, insecurity, poor stock management, and poor quality of immunization. To address these challenges, ACE Strategy and Consults partnered with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to implement an innovative edutainment (education + entertainment) intervention during the October 2024 Outbreak Response (OBR4) campaign. The goal was to leverage local entertainment platforms to increase polio vaccine coverage and reduce the outbreak of cVPV2 in selected geographies in Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.
Approach
The edutainment intervention was executed in three phases over four weeks, targeting 1,567 settlements across five states: Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara. The team carried out microplanning to coordinate the intervention’s geographical scope and revised the key messages for the edutainment activities. Data collection tools were developed, and entertainers were onboarded. A total of 974 edutainment-supported vaccination teams were mobilized, conducting 940 morning and 34 evening sessions. The campaign employed various local entertainment formats, including modified PA vans (Kekes), Papalolos (local entertainers), drama troupes, and cultural performances, tailored to the preferences of each community. Morning sessions focused on mobile outreach using Kekes, while evening sessions featured drama and music performances to engage caregivers and children who were often missed during routine morning vaccinations. Compliance agents and vaccinators were deployed alongside entertainers to ensure real-time vaccination and data collection. The vaccination data was analyzed to draw insights and to create a report, which was disseminated to relevant stakeholders.
Results
The campaign achieved significant results, vaccinating 97,161 children across the five states. Morning sessions accounted for 94,184 vaccinations, while evening sessions reached 2,977 children who were typically missed during routine campaigns. Notably, Zamfara State recorded the highest average number of children vaccinated per session (157). In Kebbi State, evening sessions outperformed morning sessions, with an average of 122 children vaccinated per session. The intervention demonstrated a clear impact on vaccine uptake, with non-compliance resolution rates improving in key areas like Katsina State.
ACE Strategy and Consults continues to provide edutainment support to these states during supplemental immunization activities.
Partners: ACE Strategy and Consults | National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).