Beyond constructs and principles: addressing gender-related barriers to high, equitable immunization coverage

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Public Health
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Gender-related barriers significantly hinder equitable vaccine access and uptake.
• Routine immunization programs require a gender-transformative approach to overcome persistent obstacles.
• USAID's MOMENTUM project addresses gender as a cross-cutting issue in immunization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To mainstream gender considerations into routine immunization programs.
• To identify and address gender-specific barriers affecting vaccination coverage.
• To build capacity for gender-responsive immunization strategies.

Main Methods:

• Integrating gender analysis throughout the program cycle: assessment, design, implementation, M&E.
• Focusing on five key areas: service access, quality, demand generation, caregiver autonomy, and health worker conditions.
• Developing and implementing staff capacity-building initiatives on gender in immunization.

Main Results:

• Successfully incorporated gender mainstreaming across global and country-level activities.
• Identified practical strategies to address gender barriers in immunization access and demand.
• Gained experience in moving from gender theory to actionable interventions.

Conclusions:

• Mainstreaming gender is essential for improving immunization equity and coverage.
• Practical approaches and capacity building are key to overcoming gender-related obstacles.
• Lessons learned offer valuable insights for similar time-limited global health projects.