Understanding the Challenges of Advocacy Communication, Social Mobilization, and Operationalization for COVID-19 and Routine Immunization in Nigeria

Saheed Isiaka Sydani Institute for Research and Innovation, Abuja, Nigeria;

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Stephen Asaolu Sydani Institute for Research and Innovation, Abuja, Nigeria;

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Shiva Gab-Deedam Sydani Initiative for International Development, Abuja, Nigeria;

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Akolade Jimoh Sydani Initiative for International Development, Abuja, Nigeria;

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Olugbemisola Samuel Sydani Institute for Research and Innovation, Abuja, Nigeria;

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Sidney Sampson Sydani Initiative for International Development, Abuja, Nigeria;
Sydani Group, Abuja, Nigeria

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Grace Odey Sydani Initiative for International Development, Abuja, Nigeria;

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Sunday Atobatele Sydani Initiative for International Development, Abuja, Nigeria;
Sydani Group, Abuja, Nigeria

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Irene Okoye Sydani Initiative for International Development, Abuja, Nigeria;

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ABSTRACT.

The primary goal of program communication in public health is to influence behaviors. It also aims to raise awareness and ultimately improve health outcomes. Under the umbrella of program communication exist three interconnected, interrelated, and mutually supportive communication aspects: advocacy, communication, and social mobilization (ACSM). While advocacy involves promoting political dedication and holding authorities accountable for fulfilling commitments and achieving success, social mobilization brings together various sectors and individuals to raise awareness and demand for a specific program. This study aimed to understand the operationalization and challenges of ACSM activities among health workers addressing COVID-19 and routine immunization in Nigeria. The study used a qualitative study design. In-depth interviews were conducted among health workers in the ACSM unit of the state’s primary health care system, using a two-tier approach. The recorded interviews were transcribed in Microsoft Word format by professional transcribers and coded using Dedoose. A total of 38 health care workers across six states were selected to participate in this study. Our study found that ACSM coordination structures existed across the six states. Routine ACSM activities were either funded by the government or local development partners implementing programs. Lack of technological devices, unavailability of funds, unavailability of data tools, and lack of technological skills are major barriers to ACSM operationalization. This study highlighted the critical role of government and agency funding in sustaining ACSM activities. However, barriers that hinder the effective operationalization of ACSM efforts remain. Therefore, the results support the need for strategic investment in technology, staff capacity building, and appropriate resource allocation to overcome these barriers.

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Author Notes

Financial support: This study did not receive any external funding or grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or nonprofit sectors.

Disclosures: The research adhered to the principles outlined in the Helsinki Declaration concerning studies involving human subjects. Participants provided both written and verbal consent at the commencement of the in-depth interviews. Confidentiality of information was assured, and the discussions were conducted anonymously. The study protocol received approval from the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) in Abuja, under reference number NHREC/01/01/2007-02/06/2023.

Authors’ contributions: The article was conceptualized by S. Isiaka and S. Asaolu. S. Isiaka, S. Asaolu, and I. Okoye conducted the qualitative analysis and drafted the manuscript. S. Asaolu and O. Samuel reviewed the manuscript and made direct edits on the manuscript. S. Asaolu and S. Gab-Deedam conducted a programmatic review of the paper to approve any program discussions from the paper. S. Sampson oversaw the intervention support provided to the state. A. Jimoh, S. Gab-Deedam, G. Odey, and I. Okoye participated in project implementation across the six selected states (Benue, Ekiti, Niger, Lagos, Kano, Enugu, and Bayelsa states).

Data availability: The data supporting the findings are available from the corresponding author upon request. Requests will be examined and considered on a case-by-case basis.

Current contact information: Saheed Isiaka, Stephen Asaolu, Olugbemisola Samuel, and Sunday Atobatele, Sydani Institute for Research and Innovation, Abuja, Nigeria, E-mails: saheed.isiaka@sydani.org, stephen.asaolu@sydani.org, olugbemisola.samuel@sydani.org, and sunday.atobatele@sydani.org. Shiva Gab-Deedam, Akolade Jimoh, Sidney Sampson, Grace Odey, and Irene Okoye, Sydani Inititative for International Development, Abuja, Nigeria, E-mails: shiva.gab-deedam@sydani.org, akolade.jimoh@sydani.org, sidney.sampson@sydani.org, and irene.okoye@sydani.org.

Address correspondence to Saheed Isiaka, Sydani Institute for Research and Innovation, FCT, Plot 1422 Independence Avenue, Central Business Districts, Abuja, Nigeria. E-mail: saheed.isiaka@sydani.org
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