Community Based Health Systems Strengthening for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Nigeria

This research proposal outlines a sequential explanatory mixed methods study examining the structural and behavioural determinants of community health systems performance in infectious disease prevention and control in Nigeria. The study focuses on selected communities in Lagos and Abia States, with particular emphasis on HIV and Hepatitis B prevention, health-seeking behaviour, stigma, health literacy, community trust, and the role of community health workers. The quantitative phase proposes a household survey of 400 community members, while the qualitative phase will involve in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with community members, health workers, facility managers, and public health officers. The study also draws comparative lessons from Brazil’s Family Health Strategy to identify approaches that may be adapted to strengthen community health systems in Nigeria. The research is intended to generate evidence and practical recommendations for policymakers, health programme designers, and community health practitioners in Nigeria and comparable Sub-Saharan African settings. This record contains the research proposal and study protocol; data collection has not yet commenced.