Challenge: GAVI and the Burundian Ministry of Health sought to better understand the socio-cultural dynamics affecting caregivers’ perceptions and practices around childhood vaccination. The aim was to develop community-centered strategies to improve vaccine acceptance and routine immunization coverage across Burundi.
Offering & Process: As a project lead, Aminata supported the research and synthesis remotely, providing the local research team in Burundi weekly coaching and strategic guidance. The project involved qualitative interviews, observations, and participatory activities with caregivers, health workers, and community influencers across five provinces. Throughout the research, Aminata worked closely with the field team to frame and refine research questions, analyze findings, and build a cohesive narrative around emerging insights. She also designed materials and facilitated the development of a co-creation workshop where key client and stakeholder groups reflected on the findings, validated patterns, and co-designed solutions to address the opportunity areas identified.
Results: The research identified five caregiver archetypes reflecting different relationships to vaccination: from proactive supporters to those disengaged or resistant. These personas helped anchor stakeholder understanding in lived realities. Insights also highlighted trust, service experience, and relational dynamics as key levers for improving vaccine uptake. The final report, presented to GAVI and MoH stakeholders, led to concrete recommendations for more responsive, locally adapted communication and engagement strategies. The co-creation process ensured alignment across stakeholders and paved the way for pilot interventions tailored to the identified caregiver needs.