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Evidence-Based Engagement of the Somali Pastoralists of the Horn of Africa in Polio Immunization: Overview of Tracking, Cross-Border, Operations, and Communication Strategies

Publish Date: July 2016
Author: Rustam Haydarov, Saumya Anand, Bram Frouws, Brigitte Toure, Sam Okiror, Bal Ram Bhui

Building on the experience of the 2013–2014 wild poliovirus outbreak in the Horn of Africa, this study examines applied strategies that helped to engage pastoralists of the Somali cluster (Somalia, Somali Region of Ethiopia, and North-East Kenya) in supplementary immunization activities. Aimed at being applicable to other public health interventions, the study synthesizes knowledge about Somali pastoralism in the Horn of Africa and explains the approaches used for tracking nomadic groups and creating dialogue, as well as building trust to enable better vaccination opportunities for pastoralist children.

To read the full, open access article in the journal Global Health Communication, click here.