Leveraging Edutainment to Improve Polio Vaccine Uptake in Northern Nigeria
Background
Despite progress toward polio eradication, Northern Nigeria continues to face vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and missed children, particularly in Areas of Intractable Transmission, where traditional social mobilization struggles to build demand. ACE Strategy & Consults partnered with Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) and state governments to design an evidence-driven edutainment strategy, scaling from a five-state pilot in 2024 to a multi-state programme by 2026.
Our Approach
ACE used a data-driven model combining behavioural change communication, operational planning, and continuous learning selecting priority LGAs and wards using epidemiological data, and deploying drama, community games (Wasan Yara), Papalolo and Mai Kalangu performances, and radio jingles to shift caregiver attitudes. Over successive rounds, ACE strengthened recruitment, introduced digital data collection, and built structured daily review mechanisms for rapid course correction.
Our Impact
- Scaled from 5 states, 29 LGAs, 93 wards (2024) → 11 states (2025) → 6 states, 61 LGAs, 206 wards (Jan–May 2026)
- 880,000+ children vaccinated cumulatively: 298,317 (2024) → 350,000+ (2025) → 231,950 (Jan–May 2026)
- 32,970 community members reached through evening health education sessions
- Team efficiency improved from 75 to 100 children vaccinated per edutainment team as systems matured
Over three years, reach expanded and team efficiency rose from 75 to 100 children vaccinated per team, evidence that ACE’s behavioural communication models improve with every campaign round, a strong foundation for future demand-generation partnerships.
Partners: Solina Centre for International Development and Research | State Governments | National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) | UNICEF