Politics, Vaccine Distribution, and Public Reception during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Enugu State

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to governments worldwide, with significant implications for public health, social and economic development, and global security. This study aims to examine the politics surrounding the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and its impact on public reception in Enugu State, Nigeria. Using political ecology theory and a mixed-method approach that includes data collection through interviews, surveys, and document analysis, the study explored the factors that shape the distribution of vaccines and how government officials, community leaders, and public health agencies are involved in the distribution process. Additionally, the study will investigate how the political climate in Enugu State contributes to the public's perception and reception of the vaccine distribution efforts. The study seeks to identify the challenges encountered during the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines in Enugu, including political influence, corruption, and bureaucratic red tape, among other factors. The study shows that inadequate vaccine distribution has led to elitist vaccine reception. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights to policymakers, public health officials and community leaders on the challenges and opportunities for effective vaccine distribution strategies in Enugu State, contributing to the pandemic response in Nigeria and beyond.