Digital Community Engagement and Misinformation Management

A young woman shares knowledge through digital tools, fostering connection and learning

Digital Community Engagement

In today’s interconnected world, digital platforms shape how communities access and share health information. To build trust and encourage vaccine uptake, UNICEF’s Polio Eradication Initiative leverages Digital Community Engagement (DCE) – a strategy that uses social listening, digital influencers, community-driven content, and targeted digital advertising to reach people where they are.

Through real-time engagement, localized messaging, and partnerships with digital platforms, polio communication teams connect with communities, amplify trusted voices, and address concerns. By working with local influencers, health professionals, and community leaders, DCE ensures accurate, timely, and culturally relevant information reaches those who need it most.

The UNICEF Polio DCE Strategy (2025-2026) outlines a data-driven approach to scaling digital engagement efforts, integrating emerging tools like AI-powered analytics, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration. Insights from past initiatives are captured in the DCE Report, which highlights best practices, challenges, and innovations in digital engagement for polio eradication. 

Misinformation Management

Misinformation spreads rapidly, affecting vaccine confidence and public health. UNICEF takes a proactive, evidence-based approach to detect, analyze, and counter vaccine misinformation at the local level.

Using insights from digital monitoring and behavioral science, polio teams work to identify false narratives, engage with communities, and promote factual content. The Polio Messaging Guide provides communication professionals with practical tools and tested messaging strategies to strengthen public trust and ensure communities have access to reliable information. 

Join the DCE Community

DCE UPDATE
Subscribe to the DCE Newsletter

Be the first to get monthly insights, tools, and real-time updates on digital engagement and polio response.

Resources

LATEST NEWS

A mother holds her child during a polio campaign. Text reads: “Multiple doses mean strong protection against Polio. Vaccinate in every campaign.”
🌐
Engaging Digital Communities Across 6 Countries on Polio Eradication
From April to June 2025, six countries across the Lake Chad Basin and Pakistan came together for a bold and coordinated digital campaign in support of synchronized National Immunization Days (NIDs). The Lake Chad Basin—Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and the Central African Republic—has been grappling with ongoing outbreaks of vaccine-derived poliovirus, while Pakistan continues to fight the circulation of wild poliovirus. Combined, these regions account for nearly 80% of global polio cases.
Pakistan DCE campaign visual promoting polio vaccination.
🇵🇰
Pakistan: Shielding Every Last Child
In April 2025, the Pakistan DCE and SBC teams launched a targeted digital engagement campaign to support National Immunization Days (NIDs), using the emotionally resonant theme “Shielding Every Last Child.” This initiative is part of a broader rollout of the Global DCE Content & Messaging Strategy, tailored to local contexts to counter vaccine hesitancy and strengthen public trust.