The VaxSocial Initiative, spearheaded by Global Impact in collaboration with the African Health Organisation (AHO) and Gavi, has announced the selection of seven organizations to receive funding totalling US$12 million. This initiative, focused on harnessing the power of social media to bolster vaccine confidence, marks a significant step forward in combating vaccine hesitancy and promoting public health awareness.
The selected organizations from India, Indonesia, and Nigeria were carefully chosen to explore innovative approaches that leverage social media and behavioral science to empower populations to make informed decisions regarding vaccination. Among the esteemed recipients from Nigeria are as follows:
- Nivi and Save the Children,
- HelpMum and Behavioral Insights Team, and
- Upswell in collaboration with the Behavioral Insights Lab, Silver Lining for the Needy Initiative, and WellaHealth.
The other four recipients include:
- GroupM Media India PVT. LTD. (India)
- Center for Indonesia’s Strategic Development Initiatives (Indonesia)
- Global Health Strategies Emerging Economies PVT. LTD. (Indonesia), and
- IPSOS and M&C Saatchi World Services (Evaluator)
This initiative comes at a critical juncture as Nigeria, like many countries globally, grapples with vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. By leveraging the vast reach and influence of social media platforms, these organizations aim to educate and empower communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas, to overcome barriers to vaccination.
Drew Otoo, President of Global Vaccines at MSD, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative’s next phase, highlighting the potential of social media platforms in shaping healthcare decisions. Lu’chen Foster, Senior Director of Social Impact Partnerships at Meta, reiterated Meta’s commitment to supporting global health outcomes through innovative approaches. Augustin Flory, Managing Director at Gavi, emphasized the importance of partnerships with the private sector and technology in driving impactful interventions in immunization programs.
The VaxSocial Initiative represents a collaborative effort to bridge the gap between research and implementation, paving the way for evidence-based strategies to enhance vaccine confidence and uptake. With Nigeria actively participating in this initiative, there is hope for a brighter future where vaccination is embraced as a crucial component of public health, safeguarding communities against preventable diseases.
As these projects unfold, they have the potential to serve as models for scalable and replicable approaches to vaccine advocacy, not only in Nigeria but across the globe. Through collective efforts and strategic partnerships, we can build a healthier and more resilient world, where every individual has access to life-saving vaccines and the knowledge to make informed healthcare decisions.
Source: Innovation Village