QUALITATIVE RESEARCH WITH HEALTH WORKERS, CAREGIVERS AND KEY STAKEHOLDERS TO INFORM INTERVENTIONS TO INCREASE CHILDHOOD VACCINATION

Ensuring adequate childhood vaccination uptake in a country is a crucial public health issue that must be approached through an evidence-based approach. The success of any vaccination program relies on a deep understanding of local factors that affect vaccine uptake, such as cultural beliefs, socio-economic conditions, and healthcare access. Thus, to improve childhood vaccination rates in a country, it is essential to gather and analyze evidence to inform targeted interventions that are appropriate to the local context.   In partnership with WHO Azerbaijan, SUSTAINERA conducted qualitative research to gather insights from health workers, caregivers, and key stakeholders to inform interventions aimed at increasing childhood vaccination rates. The research aimed to gather perspectives from healthcare workers, caregivers (including mothers and grandmothers) of children aged between 24 to 30 months, and central/regional stakeholders involved in childhood immunization administration. The research explored the barriers and enabling factors experienced by these groups.

 The study consisted of 18 focus group discussions and in-depth interviews conducted in five regions/cities of Azerbaijan, namely Baku, Qobustan, Yevlakh, Goygol, and Ganja. The findings of the research will be used to create specialized interventions for the target groups, thus enhancing Azerbaijan's national response to childhood vaccination uptake.  The research paper will be available to the public soon, and the findings of this research study on childhood vaccination in Azerbaijan will provide valuable insights to make informed decisions on how to increase childhood vaccination rates in the country. By understanding the perspectives and experiences of healthcare workers, caregivers, and key stakeholders, specialized interventions can be developed to address the barriers and enabling factors identified in the research.

 Therefore, we believe that the results of this research will be crucial in enhancing Azerbaijan's national response to childhood vaccination uptake, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for children in the country.