The Challenge

According to UNICEF, Mozambique is one of the ten countries with the highest number of children who have not received any vaccines.

In light of this, the study aimed to identify the reasons for low vaccine uptake among babies in Mozambique, utilising Fortell's Artificial Intelligence-based approach to data collection and analysis.

Our Approach

Data collection was conducted by Fortell in Portuguese using a virtual interviewer/digital avatar. UNICEF provided Fortell with three questionnaires focused on perceptions of the malaria vaccine and vaccination in general, targeting three participant groups: caregivers, community leaders, and health professionals. On June 5th and 6th, 2024, the avatar-led interviews were conducted with participants in Mocuba district, Mozambique, using UNICEF's digital devices.

In total, 11 one-to-one interviews were conducted with caregivers (3), community leaders (4), and health professionals (4). Additionally, 2 focus groups were held, each including an unspecified number of participants broadly categorized as caregivers, community leaders, and health professionals from Mocuba district.

Results

This study showed that improving vaccine uptake requires addressing economic, cultural, and logistical barriers. Caregivers are generally willing to vaccinate due to awareness of malaria risks, but traditional remedies and misinformation can obstruct vaccination efforts. Enhancing access with mobile units, flexible scheduling, and economic support, while respecting cultural beliefs, is crucial. Collaborative efforts from community leaders and health professionals, alongside clear communication and ongoing training, are essential for overcoming myths and fostering vaccine acceptance. Engaging with technology and leveraging community resilience can further strengthen vaccination programs and improve public health outcomes.