BACKGROUND:
Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs) remain a persistent threat to global and national public health despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines. Outbreaks of diseases such as measles, diphtheria, and poliomyelitis continue to occur, particularly in areas with suboptimal immunization coverage. One of the leading challenges to achieving universal vaccination goals is declining vaccine confidence—the trust individuals and communities have in vaccines, health authorities, and the systems that deliver immunization services.

OBJECTIVE:
This study examines the relationship between vaccine confidence and the prevalence of VPDs, exploring how trust, health communication, and community engagement influence vaccination uptake and disease outcomes.

METHODS:
A mixed-methods approach was utilized, combining quantitative analysis of VPD surveillance and immunization coverage data with qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions among caregivers, community leaders, and frontline health workers. Correlation and thematic analyses were applied to assess how variations in vaccine confidence affect VPD incidence across selected communities.

RESULTS:
The study revealed a strong inverse relationship between vaccine confidence and the incidence of VPDs. Areas with high public trust in vaccines and health authorities recorded better immunization uptake and fewer disease outbreaks. Misinformation, cultural resistance, and prior negative vaccination experiences were key factors contributing to hesitancy. Conversely, transparent communication, community participation, and responsive health systems significantly enhanced vaccine confidence.

CONCLUSIONS:
Strengthening vaccine confidence is vital for sustaining immunization coverage and preventing the resurgence of VPDs. Public health strategies must prioritize trust-building through effective communication, community engagement, and consistent health system responsiveness. Keywords: Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Vaccine Confidence, Immunization Coverage, Public Health, Vaccine Hesitancy