COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION: LESSONS FROM SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGNS IN NSUKKA LGA OF ENUGU STATE

Abstract

This article looks at successful community engagement approaches used in the childhood immunization campaign within Nsukka LGA of Enugu State. With numerous obstacles in the delivery of health care, especially with regards to delivering vaccines this case study brings out how community engagement practices which are tailored have led to a significant increase in immunization rates. Through qualitative analysis of the immunization drives and interviews with doctors, community leaders, as well as families that took part in those campaigns; research reveals some important factors which have contributed to their success. The results reveal that a multipronged strategy, combining culturally appropriate advocacy, multi-stakeholder collaboration and the utilization of local communication pathways have been critical. The study also shows the need to deal with myths and misinformation, build trust in health care system, as well as involve leaders of community. The lessons learnt from the case of Nsukka LGA offer a scalable model for interventions in other socio-cultural settings, hence demonstrating the need to have synergistic blend education, community empowerment and strategic partnerships as way of overcoming barriers to childhood immunization. The article provides practical implications for the broader discourse on public health strategies, offering actionable lessons to planners and implementers of vaccination programs in communities similar to those under study.