Strategies to improve uptake of the RTS, S malaria vaccine in a malaria endemic area of Western Kenya

Irine Okanda; Emily Abuonji; Winnie Majanga; Mevis Omollo; Evalyne Otieno; George Ayodo; Simon Kariuki

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20250903

Authors

Irine Okanda Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Department of Public and Community Health, School of Health Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo, Kenya
Emily Abuonji Department of Public and Community Health, School of Health Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo, Kenya
Winnie Majanga Department of Public and Community Health, School of Health Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo, Kenya
Mevis Omollo Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
Evalyne Otieno Department of Public and Community Health, School of Health Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo, Kenya
George Ayodo Department of Public and Community Health, School of Health Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo, Kenya
Simon Kariuki Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20250903

Keywords:

Malaria vaccine, Caretakers, CHVs, Strategies

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the first malaria vaccine, RTS, S in October 2021 to prevent malaria in children in sub-Saharan Africa. However, sub-optimal vaccine uptake, especially the 3^rd and 4^th doses has been reported. This study engaged key stakeholders involved in vaccine delivery in Muhoroni sub-county of western Kenya to evaluate strategies that can improve vaccine uptake.

Methods: A purposive sampling method was used to select participants for focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). Four FGDs were conducted with caretakers whose children either completed or did not complete the recommended 4 doses of the vaccine or did not take any dose, and 1 FGD with 11 community health volunteers (CHVs). The KIIs involved 11 nurses in charge of maternal and child health (MCH) clinics. Interview guides were used for the FGDs and KIIs. Data was analyzed thematically using NVIVO software version 12.

Results: Majority of the participants suggested engaging CHVs, community outreaches, community dialogues, sending reminders through short message services (SMSs) and use of local radios and/or television as possible strategies to improve vaccine uptake.

Conclusions: Strategies such as enhanced CHV engagement, adoption of technology and improved communications were regarded as suitable ways of improving the uptake of RTS, S malaria vaccine.

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References

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