Original Research
COVID-19 vaccination advocacy among Tanzanian rural communities: lessons for future pandemics
AUTHORS
Godwin Pancras1 PhD, Lecturer * 
Baraka Morris2 MBE, Assistant Lecturer
Shitindo Mercury3,4 MSc, Assistant Lecturer
Renatha Josepth1 PhD, Senior Lecturer
Emmy Onifasi Metta5 PhD, Associate Professor
Nathanael Sirili6 PhD, Associate Professor
David Nderitu7 PhD, Lecturer
AFFILIATIONS
1 Department of Bioethics and Health Professionalism, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
2 Department of Nursing Management, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
3 Africa Bioethics Network, Nairobi, Kenya
4 Department of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
5 Department of Behavioral Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
6 Department of Development Studies, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
7 Department of Philosophy, History and Religious Studies, Egerton University, Egerton, Kenya
ACCEPTED: 22 September 2025
Early Abstract:
Introduction: Vaccines as a public good, require an inclusive approach to end vaccine-preventable diseases. Ensuring universal access to vaccination information is crucial, particularly in rural areas where geographic and socio-economic barriers persist. The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted these disparities, emphasizing the need for targeted advocacy strategies. Therefore, the study examined information advocacy strategies used during the COVID-19 vaccination and the implications.
Methods: The study employed a case-study design with a mixed-method approach. The qualitative phase involved community health workers (CHWs), local leaders, healthcare workers (HCWs), and influential figures, while the quantitative phase focused on heads of households. All residing in the Geita region, Tanzania. Purposive and multistage sampling techniques were used to select individuals during the qualitative and quantitative phases, respectively. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using MAXQDA software version 20.4.0, while quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using Stata SE software version 18.0.
Results: Since we used a mixed-methods approach, the presentation of both qualitative and quantitative findings is on a theme-by-theme basis or a weaving approach. The findings indicate that COVID-19 vaccination advocacy in rural settings hinges on three key elements (themes): strategic outreach points, preferred timing and the nature of the information communicated.
Conclusion: Study findings suggest that future pandemic preparedness plans must consider strategic outreach points, optimal timing, and tailored messaging to strengthen vaccination advocacy in rural settings. Further studies are needed to examine the aforementioned advocacy strategies in different settings and populations.
Keywords: advocacy, COVID-19 vaccination, information, pandemics, rural, Tanzania, vaccines.