Evaluating the Implementation of Interventions to Improve Vaccine Confidence and Demand in Low-Resource Settings
This PhD project investigates how public health interventions aimed at increasing vaccine confidence and uptake are implemented in low-resource settings. The research combines implementation science and behavioral insights to better understand what helps or hinders the delivery of these interventions in real-world settings. Through four sub-studies, the project explores different strategies such as social listening for infodemic management and a peer-to-peer motivational interviewing approach to engage individuals with concerns about vaccination. The work includes a scoping review and case studies in Ghana and Indonesia, aiming to generate practical knowledge on how to strengthen vaccine demand and public trust in immunization programs.
About the project
Globally, substantial progress has been made in reducing mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases, but COVID-19–related disruptions have widened immunization gaps, particularly in low-resource settings. Addressing these challenges and strengthening equitable immunization coverage requires understanding the behavioral and social drivers of vaccination and applying implementation research to develop effective, context-specific strategies. However, both behavioral science and implementation science remain underutilized in these settings, where evidence is more limited than in high-income countries. This study evaluates the implementation of public health interventions aimed at improving vaccine confidence and demand in low- and middle-income countries.
About Atsu
Atsuyoshi (Atsu) Ishizumi is a public health practitioner and researcher with a background in social and behavioral sciences. Currently based in Japan, I have experience working in various public health settings, including the public sector and multilateral organization. My research interests include behavioral and social drivers of vaccination, implementation science, and infodemic management.