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Bahl S, Khanal S, Sangal L, Tabassum S, Ungchusak K, Andrus J. Measles and rubella elimination: protecting children through immunization in South-East Asia Region (SEAR). THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. SOUTHEAST ASIA 2023; 18:100303. [PMID: 38028171 PMCID: PMC10667283 DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2023.100303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The South-East Asia Region (SEAR) adopted the goal of "measles and rubella elimination by 2023". The goal was revised in 2019 to 'measles and rubella elimination by 2023' The strategies adopted to reach the goal included achieving ≥95% coverage with 2 doses of measles- and rubella-containing vaccine (MCV2; RCV2); establishing effective case-based surveillance supported by an accredited laboratory network; and implementing rapid response measures to control measles outbreaks. Of the 11 countries in the Region, to date five countries have eliminated measles and rubella and two more have controlled rubella. An estimated 242 million cases and 4.7 million deaths due to measles were averted between 2014 and 2022. The high-level political commitment, programmatic infrastructure and partnerships developed for the elimination of polio and maternal and neonatal tetanus played a critical role in this achievement. WHO, supported by key partners, provided technical support and strategic guidance for programmatic improvements, generated evidence to guide policy and strategic shifts, strengthened capacity of health workforce and conducted periodic programmatic reviews. However, unexpected occurrence of COVID-19 pandemic impacted vaccine coverage and quality of surveillance, thereby delaying achievement of the goal, and necessitating a revision of the target date of elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Bahl
- WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, New Delhi, India
| | - Sudhir Khanal
- WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, New Delhi, India
| | - Lucky Sangal
- WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, New Delhi, India
| | - Shahina Tabassum
- Member South-East Asia Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination and Professor, Department of Virology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Kumnuan Ungchusak
- Member South-East Asia Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination and Advisor, Department of Disease Control, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jon Andrus
- Member South-East Asia Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination and Professor, Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
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Ravi SJ, Potter CM, Paina L, Merritt MW. Post-epidemic health system recovery: A comparative case study analysis of routine immunization programs in the Republics of Haiti and Liberia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292793. [PMID: 37847680 PMCID: PMC10581452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-scale epidemics in resource-constrained settings disrupt delivery of core health services, such as routine immunization. Rebuilding and strengthening routine immunization programs following epidemics is an essential step toward improving vaccine equity and averting future outbreaks. We performed a comparative case study analysis of routine immunization program recovery in Liberia and Haiti following the 2014-16 West Africa Ebola epidemic and 2010s cholera epidemic, respectively. First, we triangulated data between the peer-reviewed and grey literature; in-depth key informant interviews with subject matter experts; and quantitative metrics of population health and health system functioning. We used these data to construct thick descriptive narratives for each case. Finally, we performed a cross-case comparison by applying a thematic matrix based on the Essential Public Health Services framework to each case narrative. In Liberia, post-Ebola routine immunization coverage surpassed pre-epidemic levels, a feat attributable to investments in surveillance, comprehensive risk communication, robust political support for and leadership around immunization, and strong public-sector recovery planning. Recovery efforts in Haiti were fragmented across a broad range of non-governmental agencies. Limitations in funding, workforce development, and community engagement further impeded vaccine uptake. Consequently, Haiti reported significant disparities in subnational immunization coverage following the epidemic. This study suggests that embedding in-country expertise within outbreak response structures, respecting governmental autonomy, aligning post-epidemic recovery plans and policies, and integrating outbreak response assets into robust systems of primary care contribute to higher, more equitable levels of routine immunization coverage in resource-constrained settings recovering from epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana J. Ravi
- The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Christina M. Potter
- The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ligia Paina
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Maria W. Merritt
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Sultan MA, Closser S, Majidulla A, Ahmed S, Naz F, Nayyab S, Zaman A, Shafique M, Sohail A. How to eradicate polio in Pakistan: Insights from community health workers. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002289. [PMID: 37643151 PMCID: PMC10464965 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Pakistan, along with Afghanistan, is one of two countries where wild poliovirus is still endemic. Frontline workers (FLWs) are the staff most intimately familiar with both implementation challenges and community context. Harnessing their expertise may be a way to improve the community-polio program interface, which has been a persistent and shifting challenge in polio-endemic areas of both countries. From 2020-2022, we engaged frontline workers in 18 Super High-Risk Union Councils (SHRUCs) in Pakistan through a Human-Centered Design ideas competition. In that competition, teams of polio FLWs identified the most significant barriers they faced in conducting their work, and suggested solutions to those problems-a window into the issues the program faces by the people who know it best. The suggestions of FLWs on how to eradicate polio fell into four main categories. First, there were suggestions to tackle community fatigue by reducing touchpoints, particularly visits solely for data collection. Second, there were calls to improve Primary Health Care in SHRUCs, as a way of addressing community frustrations over an intense focus on just one disease in the context of numerous acute needs. Third, there were suggested ways to increase community engagement through locally relevant channels. Finally, many workers suggested improvements to Human Resources processes and workplace dynamics. Across these ideas, one repeated concept is the need for balance between the intensity of polio activities required for eradication and the provision of other government services, including health services. FLWs engaged the process deeply, providing well thought out problem statements and ideas for change. It is our view that there is no one more qualified to speak to the issues on the ground than FLWs. There are critical insights available if we listen to people who are instrumental to the success of health programs, but not commonly involved with creating policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marium A. Sultan
- Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Svea Closser
- Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Arman Majidulla
- Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Olateju A, Peters MA, Osaghae I, Alonge O. How service delivery implementation strategies can contribute to attaining universal health coverage: lessons from polio eradication using an implementation science approach. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1271. [PMID: 35773671 PMCID: PMC9244363 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13681-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Improving service delivery is a key strategy for achieving service coverage, one of the two components of universal health coverage (UHC). As one of the largest global public health initiatives, individuals involved with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) have learned many important lessons about service delivery. We identified contributors and challenges to delivering health services at national and subnational levels using experiences from the GPEI. We described strategies used to strengthen service delivery and draw lessons that could be applicable to achieving UHC. Methods Online cross-sectional surveys based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) domains and socioecological model were conducted from 2018–2019. Data were analyzed using an embedded mixed methods approach. Frequencies of the contributors and challenges to service delivery by levels of involvement were estimated. Chi-square tests of independence were used to assess unadjusted associations among categorical outcome variables. Logistic regressions were used to examine the association between respondent characteristics and contributors to successful implementation or implementation challenges. Horizontal analysis of free text responses by CFIR domain was done to contextualize the quantitative results. Results Three thousand nine hundred fifty-five people responded to the online survey which generated 3,659 valid responses. Among these, 887 (24.2%) reported involvement in service delivery at the global, national, or subnational level with more than 90% involved at subnational levels. The main internal contributor of strengthened service delivery was the process of conducting activities (48%); working in frontline role had higher odds of identifying the process of conducting activities as the main internal contributor (AOR: 1.22, p = 0.687). The main external contributor was the social environment (42.5%); having 10–14 years of polio program implementation was significantly associated with identifying the social environment as the main external contributor to strengthened service delivery (AOR: 1.61, p = 0.038). The most frequent implementation challenge was the external environment (56%); working in Eastern Mediterranean region was almost 4 times more likely to identify the external environment as the major challenge in service delivery strengthening (AOR:3.59, p < 0.001). Conclusion Priority actions to improve service delivery include: adopt strategies to systematically reach hard-to-reach populations, expand disease-focused programs to support broader primary healthcare priorities, maximize community outreach strategies to reach broader age groups, build community trust in health workers and develop multisectoral leadership for collaboration. Achieving UHC is contingent on strengthened subnational service delivery. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13681-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adetoun Olateju
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe Street, E8140, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Michael A Peters
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe Street, E8140, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Ikponmwosa Osaghae
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Olakunle Alonge
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe Street, E8140, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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Akinyemi O, Adebayo A, Bassey C, Nwaiwu C, Kalbarczyk A, Nomhwange T, Alonge OO, Owoaje ET. A qualitative exploration of the contributions of Polio Eradication Initiative to the Nigerian health system: policy implications for polio transition planning. Trop Med Health 2022; 50:38. [PMID: 35668515 PMCID: PMC9169377 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-022-00429-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Nigerian health care system is weak due to lack of coordination, fragmentation of services by donor funding of vertical services, dearth and poor distribution of resources, and inadequate infrastructures. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative has supported the country's health system and provided strategies and skills which need to be documented for use by other health programs attempting disease control or eradication. This study, therefore, explored the contributions of the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) activities to the operations of other health programs within the Nigerian health system from the perspectives of frontline workers and managers. METHODS This cross-sectional qualitative study used key informant interviews (KIIs) and inductive thematic analysis. Twenty-nine KIIs were conducted with individuals who have been involved continuously in PEI activities for at least 12 months since the program's inception. This research was part of a more extensive study, the Synthesis and Translation of Research and Innovations from Polio Eradication (STRIPE), conducted in 2018. The KII tool focused on four major themes: work experience in other health programs, similarities and differences between polio programs and other health programs, contributions of polio programs, and missed opportunities for implementing polio lessons. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic framework. RESULTS The implementation of the PEI has increased health promotion activities and coverage of maternal and child health interventions through the development of tangible and intangible resources, building the capacities of health workers and discovering innovations. The presence of a robust PEI program within a weakened health system of similar programs lacking such extensive support led to a shift in health workers' primary roles. This was perceived to reduce human resources efforts in rural areas with a limited workforce, and to affect other programs' service delivery. CONCLUSION The PEI has made a notable impact on the Nigerian health system. There should be hastened efforts to transition these resources from the PEI into other programs where there are missed opportunities and future control programs. The primary health care managers should continue integration efforts to ensure that programs leverage opportunities within successful programs to improve the health of the community members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun Akinyemi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Adedamola Adebayo
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Christopher Bassey
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Chioma Nwaiwu
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Anna Kalbarczyk
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Terna Nomhwange
- Accelerated Disease Control, Immunization, World Health Organization, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Eme T Owoaje
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Neel AH, Closser S, Villanueva C, Majumdar P, Gupta SD, Krugman D, Akinyemi OO, Deressa W, Kalbarczyk A, Alonge O. 30 years of polio campaigns in Ethiopia, India and Nigeria: the impacts of campaign design on vaccine hesitancy and health worker motivation. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-006002. [PMID: 34344665 PMCID: PMC8336205 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The debate over the impact of vertical programmes, including mass vaccination, on health systems is long-standing and often polarised. Studies have assessed the effects of a given vertical health programme on a health system separately from the goals of the vertical programme itself. Further, these health system effects are often categorised as either positive or negative. Yet health systems are in fact complex, dynamic and tightly linked. Relationships between elements of the system determine programme and system-level outcomes over time. Methods We constructed a causal loop diagram of the interactions between mass polio vaccination campaigns and government health systems in Ethiopia, India and Nigeria, working inductively from two qualitative datasets. The first dataset was 175 interviews conducted with policymakers, officials and frontline staff in these countries in 2011–2012. The second was 101 interviews conducted with similar groups in 2019, focusing on lessons learnt from polio eradication. Results Pursuing high coverage in polio campaigns, without considering the dynamic impacts of campaigns on health systems, cost campaign coverage gains over time in weaker health systems with many campaigns. Over time, the systems effects of frequent campaigns, delivered through parallel structures, led to a loss of frontline worker motivation, and an increase in vaccine hesitancy in recipient populations. Co-delivery of interventions helped to mitigate these negative effects. In stronger health systems with fewer campaigns, these issues did not arise. Conclusion It benefits vertical programmes to reduce the construction of parallel systems and pursue co-delivery of interventions where possible, and to consider the workflow of frontline staff. Ultimately, for health campaign designs to be effective, they must make sense for those delivering and receiving campaign interventions, and must take into account the complex, adaptive nature of the health systems in which they operate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail H Neel
- International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Svea Closser
- International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Catherine Villanueva
- International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Piyusha Majumdar
- SDG School of Public Health, Indian Institute of Health Management Research, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - S D Gupta
- SDG School of Public Health, Indian Institute of Health Management Research, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Daniel Krugman
- Anthropology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, USA
| | | | - Wakgari Deressa
- Preventive Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Anna Kalbarczyk
- International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Olakunle Alonge
- International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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