Comparing role of religion in perception of the COVID-19 vaccines in Africa and Asia Pacific.

Background: In the midst of the global COVID-19 vaccine distribution challenge, religion stands out as a key determinant of vaccine hesitancy and health choices. Notably, the multifaceted religious environments of Africa and the Asia Pacific remain under-researched in this context.

Methods: Utilizing data from two survey waves conducted between 2021 and 2022, this cross-sectional study investigated the effects of religious beliefs on perceptions of compatibility between religion and vaccines and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Africa and Asia Pacific.

Shaping global vaccine acceptance with localized knowledge: a report from the inaugural VARN2022 conference.

The first conference of the Vaccination Acceptance Research Network, VARN2022: Shaping Global Vaccine Acceptance with Localized Knowledge, was held virtually, from March 1 to 3 2022. This inaugural event brought together a global representation of experts to discuss key priorities and opportunities emerging across the ecosystem of vaccine acceptance and demand, from policies to programs and practice. Convened by the Sabin Vaccine Institute, VARN aims to support dialogue among multidisciplinary stakeholders to enhance the uptake of social and behavioral science-based solutions for vaccination decision-makers and implementers.

Behavioural Determinants of COVID-19-Vaccine Acceptance in Rural Areas of Six Lower- and Middle-Income Countries.

Delayed acceptance or refusal of COVID-19 vaccines may increase and prolong the threat to global public health and the economy. Identifying behavioural determinants is considered a critical step in explaining and addressing the barriers of vaccine refusal. This study aimed to identify the behavioural determinants of COVID-19-vaccine acceptance and provide recommendations to design actionable interventions to increase uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in six lower- and middle-income countries.

Exploring the behavioral determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among an urban population in Bangladesh: Implications for behavior change interventions.

Background: While vaccines ensure individual protection against COVID-19 infection, delay in receipt or refusal of vaccines will have both individual and community impacts. The behavioral factors of vaccine hesitancy or refusal are a crucial dimension that need to be understood in order to design appropriate interventions. The aim of this study was to explore the behavioral determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and to provide recommendations to increase the acceptance and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in Bangladesh.

Mobile training and support (MOTS) service-using technology to increase Ebola preparedness of remotely-located community health workers (CHWs) in Sierra Leone.

Background: The Ministry of Health in Sierra Leone has developed and operationalized the national Digital Health Strategy to guide integrated roll out of e-health/mobile health solutions. The goal is that "by 2023 an effective and efficient ICT enabled system supports delivery of quality, accessible, affordable, equitable, and timely healthcare services and moves Sierra Leone closer to achieving universal health coverage". Investing in digital platforms for the education of community health workers (CHWs) in Sierra Leone is a critical strategic approach to strengthening the country's readiness for future Ebola outbreaks.