Study of Demand-Side Incentives to Improve Vaccination Rates and Reduce Zero-Dose Children in Nigerian Communities

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate how demand-side incentives DSIs impact immunisation coverage and reduce the number of zero-dose children aged 0 to 23 months in selected areas of Nigeria. The study focuses on improving vaccination rates and timeliness while addressing barriers like access, misinformation, and socio-economic challenges in underserved communities. It uses a cluster Randomised Controlled Trial cRCT design to understand the effects of DSIs in real-world settings by December 2025. The study involves four groups of clusters in Oyo and Kwara states one group receives transportation vouchers for caregivers after vaccination, another receives direct monthly funding to primary healthcare facilities, a third group receives both transportation vouchers and direct funding, and the fourth group serves as a control with no intervention. The interventions also include community engagement and support for microplanning at health facilities to strengthen immunisation services. Participants include caregivers of children aged 0 to 23 months living in selected clusters, who will be followed during the study period from August 2024 to December 2025. Researchers will monitor vaccination coverage, zero-dose reduction, timeliness of immunisation, and caregiver knowledge and perceptions. Outcomes will be assessed through household interviews, health facility data, and stakeholder engagement measures. The study also tracks costs and behavioural factors influencing vaccination uptake to inform sustainable immunisation strategies.

Evaluating the Impact of Demand-Side Incentives (DSI) on Zero Dose Burden and Immunisation Coverage in Nigeria