International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to global health systems, economies, and societies. In response, governments worldwide implemented various protocols and vaccination campaigns to mitigate the spread of the virus. However, the effectiveness of these measures depends on the inclusivity of their design and implementation, particularly for vulnerable populations. In Nigeria, where healthcare infrastructure and resources are already strained, people with communication challenges face significant barriers in accessing critical information and healthcare services. The South-West in particular, with its diverse population and urban-rural dynamics, presents a unique context for examining the inclusivity of COVID-19 protocols and vaccination campaigns.
Objective: To assess the inclusivity of COVID-19 protocol and vaccination campaign strategies for people with communication challenges in South-West Nigeria.
Method: The study adopted the descriptive survey method using In-depth Personal Interview (IPI) to generate data. The In-depth interviews were conducted with some persons with communication impairment for their views on the various communication strategies and tactics used to communicate COVID-19 messages.
Result: The result indicate that majority of the communication efforts were specifically targeted at individuals with sound or hearing impairments with little or no attention to those with visual disabilities; this made them feel discriminated and marginalised.
Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is that the communication strategies for COVID-19 protocol and vaccination campaigns were not inclusive of all classes of people in South-West Nigeria, especially, the deaf and the the blind. The implication is that this class of citizens found it difficult to follow the instructions and the required responses regarding the COVID-19 protocols and vaccinations.
Unique contribution: The study provides valuable insights that would guide policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders in developing inclusive COVID-19 response strategies and other similar diseases in ensuring equal access to healthcare services for people with communication challenges. It ultimately contributes to the growing body of knowledge on inclusive healthcare and pandemic response services for all Nigerians, regardless of their communication abilities.
Key recommendation: Important strategic matters of this nature, which require a national inclusion and collective response, should be intentional in its framing and design to ensure that all segments of the society, including those with impairments of all sorts are adequately included in the architecture. This is in respect of communication strategy for COVID-19 and indeed, any epidemic protocol and vaccination campaigns.