"People will not even bring out their children to be immunised, because of the corona vaccine": fake news, misinformation, vaccine hesitancy and the role of community engagement in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Southern Ghana

IntroductionThe novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is characterised by loads of fake news and misinformation, which can influence vaccine acceptance. According to the World Health Organisation, implementing a harmonized public health strategy during an outbreak necessitates effective community engagement and communication, which facilitates public trust and decision-making. This study explored the role of community engagement in the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine in the midst of fake news and misinformation in two municipalities in Ghana. MethodA qualitative case study was employed using in-depth interviews with government officials from the Ghana Health Service, Municipal Assembly, Information Services Department and the National Commission on Civic Education and community gatekeepers. Additionally, focus group discussions were conducted with a cross-section of community members to understand the role of community engagement in vaccine acceptance. Qualitative analysis software Nvivo 12 was used to support thematic coding and analysis. All ethical procedures and COVID-19 preventive protocols were observed. ResultsStudy participants reported the sources of fake news and misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines from interpersonal communication, the radio, and a popular anti-vaccine song. Some of the factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy were community members believed in the fake news and misinformation, low trust in the government and public institutions, and the lack of extensive education on COVID-19 vaccines. The Ghana Health Service was the most successful in engaging communities to promote vaccine acceptance in the midst of fake news and misinformation. It leveraged on its existing community-based health planning and services (CHPS) programme, which engaged the communities frequently through routine programmes such as durbars, antenatal clinics, child welfare clinics, and other community programmes to carry out engagement. ConclusionFor Ghana to promote uptake of health interventions, it is important that communities are effectively engaged. This can be done through the provision of resources to responsible government institutions for community engagement. The gains made by government institutions during the pandemic can be sustained through continued community engagement, which will empower them to contribute towards population health.