This paper is one of a series of research elements produced by the European Union funded AHA! Awareness with Human Action project that seeks to contribute to the response efforts of the COVID-19 pandemic by preventing conflict and building social cohesion in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and broader South Asia. The AHA! project is implemented by a consortium of project partners, including the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers/Finn Church Aid, World Faiths Development Dialogue, the Center for Peace and Justice – Brac University, the Center for Communication and Development of Bangladesh, Islamic Relief Worldwide, the Youth Development Foundation, and Sarvodaya.

This brief highlights challenges to mass COVID-19 vaccination, focused particularly on vaccine hesitancy in South Asia. Through review of country-specific survey data and media reports available during the pandemic’s first eighteen months, the brief argues that vaccine hesitancy must be addressed purposefully, both for public health ends and to support peacebuilding work that is linked to social cohesion and public trust. Practical proposals are advanced, addressed to relevant policy communities and to Awareness of Human Actions (AHA!) small grant recipients in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka whose primary missions have been focused on COVID-19 response and particularly information dimensions. The goal of this and other briefs in the series is to promote continuing dialogue, engagement, and action on the topic.