Authors: Clovis Nchinjoh Sangwe, Michael Ngenge Budzi, Ismael Ngwayi Shifu, Jamin Ghangha Ghangha, Sontsa Nelson Njedock
This study focuses on improving childhood vaccination in hard-to-reach areas of the Manoka Health District in Cameroon, which has a high rate of unvaccinated children (91.7%). Factors like reliance on herbalists and poor trust in the healthcare system have contributed to vaccine hesitancy. The project used community health workers (CHWs) to provide integrated health services, including education on diseases, malaria screening, treatment for young children, antenatal care, and vaccination support. From November 2021 to August 2022, the project identified over 550 children under 5 and 187 pregnant women in need of care. About 81% of pregnant women received essential antenatal care, and 617 under-immunized children were vaccinated, representing 64% of those identified. Vaccine acceptance rose from 0% to 64% over the course of the year. The findings highlight that the community-oriented primary healthcare (COPC) model effectively builds trust and increases vaccination rates in these communities.
Link: The use of community-oriented primary care (COPC) model to generate vaccine demand: The case of a remote fishing community in Cameroon
Resource Topic: CHW, Vaccination
Resource Type: Cross-sectional mixed methods
Year: 2024
Region: Africa
Country: Cameroon
Publisher May Restrict Access: Yes