Strategies to improve uptake of the RTS, S malaria vaccine in a malaria endemic area of Western Kenya

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the first malaria vaccine, RTS, S in October 2021 to prevent malaria in children in sub-Saharan Africa. However, sub-optimal vaccine uptake, especially the 3rd and 4th doses has been reported. This study engaged key stakeholders involved in vaccine delivery in Muhoroni sub-county of western Kenya to evaluate strategies that can improve vaccine uptake. Methods: A purposive sampling method was used to select participants for focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). Four FGDs were conducted with caretakers whose children either completed or did not complete the recommended 4 doses of the vaccine or did not take any dose, and 1 FGD with 11 community health volunteers (CHVs). The KIIs involved 11 nurses in charge of maternal and child health (MCH) clinics. Interview guides were used for the FGDs and KIIs. Data was analyzed thematically using NVIVO software version 12. Results: Majority of the participants suggested engaging CHVs, community outreaches, community dialogues, sending reminders through short message services (SMSs) and use of local radios and/or television as possible strategies to improve vaccine uptake. Conclusions: Strategies such as enhanced CHV engagement, adoption of technology and improved communications were regarded as suitable ways of improving the uptake of RTS, S malaria vaccine.