A New Study Led by KHRC and UNICEF Ghana Reveals Barriers and Strategies to improve Vaccination Among Nomadic Populations in Ghana

October 28, 2024 |Blog Post | Reading time: 3 min

The Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC), Research and Development Division of Ghana Health Service and UNICEF Ghana have conducted a new qualitative study to offer insight into the challenges and opportunities associated with vaccination among pastoralist nomadic population in four regions of Ghana.

Dr. Samuel Afari-Asiedu and his colleagues conducted this study in the Upper West, Savannah, Bono East, and Ashanti regions of Ghana, focusing on the unique challenges faced by pastoralist nomads who move mainly from the Sahel into the Savannah Region and continue to the south in response to changing environmental and climatic factors.

The study, titled "Factors Influencing Vaccination Up-take Among Nomadic Population in Four Regions of Ghana: A Qualitative Study," published in the BMC Public Health, identified several obstacles to immunization efforts, including language barriers, discrimination, lack of information about diseases and vaccinations and health system challenges. The study stressed that communication gaps and the remote location of nomadic communities also make it difficult for health workers to access them.

To address these challenges, the study emphasizes the critical role of community leaders, especially nomadic chiefs, in promoting vaccination. It stressed that using trusted local leaders and overcoming language barriers are potential strategies to increase vaccine coverage. The study further suggests coordinated immunization efforts for nomads and their cattle, which could enhance health outcomes.

Dr. Afari-Asiedu and his colleagues have recommended that health workers receive refresher training in interpersonal communication to reduce discrimination and build trust with pastoralist nomads. They also called for increased collaboration between the Ghana Health Service and community leaders to ensure vaccines are available, even in hard-to-reach areas.

The findings are expected to guide policy reforms and increase vaccination uptake among underserved nomadic populations in Ghana and across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Read Full Paper Here (for more information);

Factors influencing vaccination up-take among nomadic population in four regions of Ghana: a qualitative study