Conference Abstract | Volume 9, Abstract 024 (ConfProc7) | Published: 30 Apr 2026
Boniventure Kyiiru1,&, Rita Asanti Kusi1, Henry Nii Ayi Anang2
1Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana, 2Veterinary service directorate, upper east region, Ghana
&Corresponding author: Boniventure Kyiiru, Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana and Veterinary service directorate, upper east region, Ghana, Email: kyiirubona@gmail.com
Received: 09 Aug 2025, Accepted: 28 Oct 2025, Published: 30 Apr 2026
Domain: Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Keywords: Bawku West, Vaccine, Shortage, Fishbone analysis
©Boniventure Kyiiru et al. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health (ISSN: 2664-2824). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution International 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Cite this article: Boniventure Kyiiru et al. Problem analysis of low uptake of animal vaccines in the Bawku West District, 2025. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health. 2025;9(ConfProc7):024. https://doi.org/10.37432/JIEPH-CONFPRO7-0024
The Bawku West District in Ghana’s Upper East Region faces recurrent livestock disease outbreaks such as anthrax, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Pesti de pesti ruminant (PPR), and Newcastle disease (NCD) that threaten household livelihoods and food security. Despite available veterinary services and the cost-effectiveness of vaccination, uptake of animal vaccines remains low, perpetuating productivity losses and zoonotic risks. This study aimed to assess factors contributing to low vaccine uptake, identify the causes, and propose control measures to enhance vaccination coverage.
A cross-sectional, design was employed using focus group discussions among veterinary personnel, including district veterinary officers, Technologists, and field officers. Root causes of low vaccine uptake were brainstormed and classified using a fishbone diagram, with issues labeled as totally controllable (T), partially controllable (P), or not controllable (N).
A total of 12 veterinary personnel were engaged in the identification of eighteen (18) factors across four domains: staff, administration, producers, and farmer demand. Analysis highlighted illiteracy among farmers and high vaccine costs as the critical drivers of low uptake. Control measures included making vaccines and cold-chain facilities available, staff training for farmer sensitization, and attitude improvement toward clients. Inadequate budget, high production cost, vaccine shortage, lack of free vaccines from government and non-governmental agencies including historic antecedents were identified as root causes not controllable.
Targeted interventions addressing farmer education and vaccine affordability are essential to boost vaccination rates in Bawku West. Strengthening budgets for sensitization, supervisory oversight from veterinary authorities, and prioritizing animal health at the policy level will support sustainable livestock production and community resilience.
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