Contributions of Community Vaccinators to the Delivery and Distribution of Newcastle Disease Vaccines in Makueni County

Abstract

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study aimed at investigating the contributions of community vaccinators in the delivery and distribution of Newcastle disease (NCD) vaccines in Kibwezi West Sub-County, Makueni County. The study sought to establish the roles of community vaccinators in relation to vaccine delivery and distribution, the strategies vaccinators use to increase awareness and uptake of vaccines, the challenges faced by community vaccinators, and how their involvement can contribute to the One Health approach. The study was guided by actor-network theory, and data were obtained through in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Data was analyzed thematically, and the results contain verbatim quotes that amplify the voices of the informants. The findings indicate that community vaccinators provide critical services beyond vaccination, such as mobilization of farmers, awareness raising, and vaccine supply, which consequently increases vaccine reach. Other supplemental roles of the vaccinators include disease identification and surveillance, teaching and advising farmers, as well as deworming. They use strategies such as proximity, community networks, and cost effectiveness, to enhance the reach of vaccination services and the supplemental roles. Despite their crucial contributions, community vaccinators face numerous challenges, such as distance and transport issues, lack of cold chain equipment, inadequate training, and a lack of refresher courses, which undermine the sustainability of their work. The study concludes that community vaccinators provide effective links for NCD vaccine delivery and distribution; however, numerous challenges threaten the effective implementation of their services. Therefore, the study recommends that policymakers and veterinary statutory boards recognize and formalize community vaccinators as para-veterinary professionals to facilitate their access to County storage facilities and capacity building events given their role in animal healthcare. The study also highlights the need for an interdisciplinary and One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and underscores the importance of community vaccinators in enhancing animal health services and promoting public health outcomes.