Project Overview
Despite significant investments in immunization programmes, many vulnerable populations in Nigeria continue to face persistent barriers that limit access to vaccines and reduce uptake. Women, older persons, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and individuals living with chronic health conditions often encounter intersecting social, economic, cultural, and health-system challenges that hinder their ability to access life-saving vaccination services. Understanding these barriers is critical to ensuring that immunization programmes are not only effective, but also equitable and inclusive.
In response to this challenge, the Centre for Gender, Women and Children in Sustainable Development (CGWCSD), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), conducted a rapid gender analysis across six states in Nigeria to identify the key factors influencing vaccination uptake among vulnerable populations. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, stakeholder consultations, and desk reviews to generate robust evidence on the gender, equity, and human rights dimensions of vaccine access. The findings were used to inform targeted strategies aimed at improving immunization coverage and ensuring that underserved populations are not left behind.
Key Activities
The project began with inception and stakeholder engagement meetings to secure collaboration and alignment among key partners and institutions. This was followed by a comprehensive review of relevant policies, literature, and immunization frameworks to inform the study. Data were collected through household surveys, key informant interviews with health officials and community stakeholders, and focus group discussions involving women, older persons, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. Findings from multiple data sources were analysed and triangulated to ensure accuracy and reliability, leading to the development and dissemination of evidence-based recommendations to support more equitable, inclusive, and gender-responsive immunization programmes in Nigeria.
Key Findings
The study revealed that although awareness of vaccination was generally high, several barriers continued to limit vaccine uptake among vulnerable populations.
Key challenges identified included:
- Gender and social inclusion barriers affecting access to services.
- Concerns about vaccine safety and widespread misinformation.
- Transportation costs and long distances to vaccination centres.
- Cultural and religious beliefs influencing vaccination decisions.
- Health workforce shortages and service delivery limitations.
- Inadequate accessibility for persons with disabilities, older persons, and individuals living with underlying health conditions.
Impact
The project provided critical evidence to strengthen gender-responsive and equitable immunization programming in Nigeria.
Findings informed practical recommendations aimed at:
- Improving vaccine accessibility for underserved populations.
- Strengthening risk communication and community engagement.
- Addressing misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.
- Enhancing inclusive service delivery approaches.
- Integrating gender, equity, and human rights considerations into immunization policies and programmes.
The study contributed to national and sub-national efforts to ensure that vaccination services are accessible to all populations, particularly those most at risk of exclusion into public health policies and interventions.
Partners
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA)
- Federal and State Ministries of Health
- State Primary Health Care Development Agencies
Location & Coverage
The project was implemented in selected communities across Ebonyi, Kebbi, Kogi, Lagos, Rivers, and Taraba States, with a focus on populations experiencing low vaccination coverage and heightened vulnerability.