Evidence needs and community involvement in policy decisions for vaccine-preventable diarrhoeal infections among children under the age of five years
Stakeholder engagement in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Malawi
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19594647 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Chikondi A Mwendera (0000-0003-1513-7088, University of Liverpool, corresponding author), Maxwell Phiri (0000-0001-5765-6340, University of Liverpool, corresponding author), Mackwellings Phiri (0009-0008-2227-4359), Rahma Osman (0009-0007-3748-5733, Kenya Medical Research Institute, corresponding author), Shewit Weldegebriel (Addis Ababa University, corresponding author), Beatrice Ongadi (0000-0001-6687-6927, Kenya Medical Research Institute, corresponding author), Chisomo Msefula (0000-0003-2304-886X, University of Malawi, corresponding author), Amha Mekasha (0000-0002-0066-0100, Addis Ababa University, corresponding author), Samuel Kariuki (0000-0003-3209-9503, Kenya Medical Research Institute, corresponding author), Catherine Beavis (0000-0002-8835-0309, University of Liverpool, corresponding author), Jessica A Fleming (0000-0002-8187-5209, Program for Appropriate Technology in Health, corresponding author), Daniel James Hungerford (0000-0002-9770-0163, University of Liverpool, corresponding author), Nigel A Cunliffe (0000-0002-5449-4988, University of Liverpool, corresponding author), Nigel Cunliffe, Deborah Nyirenda (0000-0002-5867-4687, University of Liverpool, corresponding author), Neil French (0000-0003-4814-8293, University of Liverpool, corresponding author), GHRG-GI Consortium |
| Editors | Rajiv Sarkar (0000-0003-0616-3129) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 5 |
| Issue | 12 |
| Pages | e0004775 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | PLOS Global Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2767-3375 • E-ISSN: 2767-3375 |
| Publisher | Public Library of Science (PLoS) (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1371/journal.pgph.0004775 |
| PMID | 41325401 |
| OpenAlex | W4416873035 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 40 |
Diarrhoeal diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with Shigella and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), both targets of ongoing vaccine development, playing major roles. To inform the introduction of vaccines against these pathogens in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Malawi, we assessed evidence needs for technical policy decisions and community engagement in national policy development processes. Using qualitative methods, we conducted 27 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with institutional stakeholders (ministries of health, researchers, and partners) and one focus group discussions (FGDs) in each country with community representatives. Data were collected between May 2023 to September 2024 and analysed thematically. Institutional stakeholders emphasised the need for robust, localised evidence on disease burden, vaccine efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness, programmatic feasibility, alongside structured mechanisms to integrate evidence into policy. They noted the absence of diarrhoeal disease-specific technical working groups in their countries and advocated for their establishment. Meanwhile, community representatives expressed vaccine acceptance but stressed the importance of clear communication of information delivered by trusted health workers and leaders. They highlighted the need for comprehensive information on new vaccines, particularly regarding their safety and potential side effects. While community involvement in national policy-making processes was deemed low, participants highlighted the value of meaningful engagement to ensure ownership and uptake. The findings highlight the importance of robust evidence generation, effective communication, and inclusive community engagement to facilitate the successful introduction of Shigella and ETEC vaccines. Addressing these gaps can accelerate adoption, improve readiness, and foster trust in vaccination programmes
Community engagement · Diarrhoeal disease · Evidence-based policy · Focus group · Policy advocacy · Qualitative research · Stakeholder · Stakeholder engagement · Vaccination · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Escherichia coli research studies · Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology
Burden and aetiology of diarrhoeal disease in infants and young children in developing countries (the Global Enteric Multicenter Study, Gems)
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Estimates of the global, regional, and national morbidity, mortality, and aetiologies of diarrhoea in 195 countries
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Power and Powerlessness in a Group Based Digital Story Telling Project-An Exploration of Community Perceptions of Health Concerns in Urban Malawi
Aetiology and incidence of diarrhoea requiring hospitalisation in children under 5 years of age in 28 low-income and middle-income countries
Advancing sustainable development goals through immunization
Health and politics in pandemic times
Inappropriate use of antibiotics for childhood diarrhea case management — Kenya, 2009–2016
Factors affecting the implementation of childhood vaccination communication strategies in Nigeria
Introduction of pentavalent vaccine in Indonesia
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |