Testing a Digital Biometric System to Help Women and Children Complete Malaria Vaccines in Ghana

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a biometric identification system to improve the completion rates of malaria and routine vaccinations among children in Ghana. This study addresses the challenge that only 46% of children in Ghana complete the full malaria vaccination sequence, and many do not receive the full set of recommended pediatric vaccines. The trial aims to measure the impact of a digital vaccination record system linked to biometric identification on vaccination completion. The study involves health facilities randomized into treatment and control groups. Facilities in the treatment clusters receive a digital vaccination record system e-tracker linked to biometric facial recognition of caregivers or children, depending on the childs age. Caregivers or children in these treatment areas are registered into the system, which sends voice message reminders to caregivers about upcoming or missed vaccinations if they provide a phone number. Control clusters do not receive these interventions during the study period. Participants will be followed for 24 to 26 months after baseline to assess vaccination completion and timeliness. The study collects data on full malaria vaccination sequences, routine vaccinations, and timely receipt of vaccines. Researchers will also evaluate caregiver knowledge about vaccination schedules and the accuracy of facility vaccine data. The total participation duration includes baseline and endline assessments, with voice reminders and community registration monitored throughout.

Testing a Biometric Identification System to Improve Malaria Vaccine Completion