Lagos State has achieved significant progress in routine and HPV immunisation awareness and uptake through the Nigeria Vaccination Coverage (VaxSocial) initiative. The digital demand generation project, which reached 191,520 caregivers, supported 92,219 on their routine immunisation journey and guided 98,601 on their HPV vaccination journey, resulting in 3,900 immunisation-related facility visits.
The project, sponsored by Gavi and supported by Nivi Inc, in collaboration with Save the Children and the Lagos State Ministry of Health, aimed to reduce vaccine hesitancy and boost confidence in vaccination. At the project’s close-out ceremony, Programme Manager Dr. Felicia Mairiga noted that the initiative demonstrated the effectiveness of digital platforms in improving vaccination coverage.
The project’s success was attributed to its ability to provide caregivers with accurate information and motivation to take action. The AskNivi platform, launched on WhatsApp, offered end-to-end encrypted and confidential chats, reaching over 71 million people and engaging 100,000 users. The platform’s design catered to English-speaking individuals, but users preferred communication in Yoruba, highlighting the need for linguistic diversity in digital health initiatives.
Key lessons learned from the project include the importance of trust in digital health systems and the need for expanded funding for HPV vaccination, motivation, and incentivisation of health workers. The recruitment of more frontline personnel and consistent vaccine supply in primary health centres were also recommended to ensure that no child or adolescent in Lagos misses vaccination due to misinformation or lack of access.
The project’s outcomes and lessons learned will inform future immunisation strategies in Lagos State and potentially other states in Nigeria. The VaxSocial initiative has paved the way for the adoption of digital platforms in supporting immunisation efforts, with the potential to improve vaccination coverage and reduce vaccine hesitancy. As the project comes to a close, its legacy will continue to support caregivers and families in accessing accurate health information and vaccination services.
