Role of Non-Conventional Actors in Improving Vaccination Coverage: The Case of Ex-Combatants in Vaccinating Zero-Dose Children in the Central African Republic

This research examines the important role of former combatants in assisting with the vaccination of Zero-Dose children (ZDC) in the Central African Republic (CAR). It shows how their participation enables access to hard-to-reach areas and builds trust with local communities. By leveraging their good integration into their environment, former combatants succeed in negotiating access to high-risk zones, allowing health teams to carry out vaccination operations. A mixed methodological approach, which combines quantitative analysis of vaccination rates and qualitative interviews with communities and health workers, highlights the effectiveness of including former combatants in public health strategies. The study demonstrates a significant increase in vaccination coverage in previously inaccessible areas, with former combatants contributing not only to better health outcomes but also to the reduction of conflicts and the building of peace. The research emphasizes the importance of adapting health programs to recognize and strengthen local skills, providing recommendations for more inclusive health policies that are tailored to the specific needs of fragile and post-conflict environments.