Understanding vaccine uptake: PROTECT’s contribution to the Kilifi County Scientific Symposium

On 9 – 10 December 2025, the 3rd Kilifi County Scientific Symposium took place, bringing together public health researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers. The symposium serves as a key platform for sharing research, strengthening collaboration, and supporting the county’s progress toward sustainable, research-driven health care improvements.

Aga Khan University (AKU), a PROTECT partner, played an active role in the symposium, showcasing its ongoing commitment to maternal health research in the region. AKU’s contributions included a poster presentation by Onesmus Wanje, Community Liaison and a contributor to the project’s work on improving vaccine confidence and maternal vaccine participation.

Onesmus Wanje presenting his poster at the Kilifi County Scientific Symposium.

He presented a poster titled “The Role of Trust in Researchers and Government Intentions in Maternal Vaccine Uptake in Kilifi, Kenya,” which explored how pregnant women’s trust in researchers and authorities directly influences vaccine acceptance.

You can view the poster here.

Understanding these trust dynamics is crucial for improving maternal vaccine uptake and clinical trial participation. The symposium offered a platform to engage with other researchers, development partners, and innovators and strengthen the team’s collaborations aimed at advancing maternal vaccine research and healthcare solutions in Kilifi County.

Looking for more information on PROTECT’s work on vaccine confidence and vaccine trial participation?

Watch this short interview with Agnes Ssali, PROTECT’s co-lead of this work: https://youtu.be/uqOHTKXLdeo