Publications by authors named "Warren Feek"
Background: Vaccine hesitancy constitutes a major threat to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), and to further expansion of routine immunisation. Understanding hesitancy, leading in some cases to refusal, is vital to the success of GPEI. Re-emergence of circulating wild poliovirus in northern Nigeria in mid-2016, after 24months polio-free, gives urgency to this.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis editorial introduces a series of articles on lessons for health communication found in the experience of the campaign to eradicate polio. It focuses on the inevitable tensions and contradictions faced by the campaign against polio as well as other major health initiatives. It argues that communication has been an essential tool for navigating the complex negotiations, compromises, and changes in direction needed in the polio eradication campaign and that the lessons learned from the polio experience are applicable to many other health interventions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The Global Polio Eradication Initiative, active since 1988, has significantly progressed toward eradicating polio, with communication strategies playing a key role in this effort.
- Despite successes, challenges remain in reaching marginalized and underserved populations, prompting the development of innovative, research-driven communication approaches.
- A review of communication efforts in India and Pakistan from 2000 to 2007 highlights the effectiveness of targeted strategies in increasing polio immunity and reducing incidence through mobilizing communities, fostering political support, and addressing barriers to vaccination.