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Manga N, Amponsah-Dacosta E, Hussey G, Muloiwa R, Kagina BM. Expanding the reach of vaccinology training in Africa: leveraging the success of the Annual African Vaccinology Course. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2023; 3:1119858. [PMID: 37727323 PMCID: PMC10505672 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2023.1119858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Introduction It is estimated that one in five African children lack access to recommended life-saving vaccines. This situation has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which disrupted routine immunization services in several parts of the region. To better support recovery efforts and get immunization programmes back on track, policy makers, programme managers, immunization providers and academics need continuous upskilling. Unfortunately, the vaccinology training needed by these cadres remains limited and oftentimes inaccessible within our context. In addition, cadres should be continuously updated on advances in vaccinology so as to keep abreast with this rapidly evolving field. This calls for new and accessible approaches to training vaccinologists in Africa where the demand is high. Methods The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to ascertain the training needs of alumni of the Annual African Vaccinology Course and assess the effectiveness of an online webinar series in meeting those needs. Results We found that alumni from across Africa required refresher training to gain up-to-date information about new developments in vaccinology, leverage opportunities to reinforce and consolidate their knowledge, and exchange country-specific experiences with their counterparts. A prominent motivation for refresher training was the rapid developments and challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on the expressed needs of our alumni, we developed a webinar training series. This series aimed to provide participants with training on current and emerging trends in vaccinology with a focus on the regional context. Online participation in the webinar series was found to be comparable to previous in-person training, reaching a diverse group of cadres, and allowing for participation of a richer global faculty due to fewer cost constraints. Further to this, a post-training survey indicated that generally, alumni training needs were successfully met. Discussion The findings suggest that an online approach can be used to expand the reach of vaccinology training in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayna Manga
- Vaccines for Africa Initiative, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edina Amponsah-Dacosta
- Vaccines for Africa Initiative, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gregory Hussey
- Vaccines for Africa Initiative, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rudzani Muloiwa
- Vaccines for Africa Initiative, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Benjamin M. Kagina
- Vaccines for Africa Initiative, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Rodríguez-Blanco N, Vicente-Alcalde N, Cubero-Plazas L, Sánchez-Más J, Montagud E, Moragues R, Gabaldón-Bravo E, Hurtado-Sanchez JA, Tuells J. Acceptability of the Vaccine against COVID-19 in Spanish Health Sciences Students: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12244. [PMID: 36231545 PMCID: PMC9566371 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare professionals must play an exemplary role in the field of vaccinology. It is convenient that they are trained during their time at university. The objective of this study was to determine the acceptability of the vaccines against COVID-19 in health sciences students in Spanish universities. A cross-sectional study was performed regarding the acceptance of the vaccines against COVID-19 in students in the Health Sciences Degrees in Spanish universities was performed on a sample of students of nursing, medicine, and pharmacy during the spring of 2021, via an online questionnaire with 36 questions designed ad hoc, self-administered, anonymized, and standardized. There were 1222 students participating, of Spanish nationality (97.4%), women (80.5%) and with an average age of 22.0 ± 4.8 years old. Of those, 12.3% had had the disease, 44.0% had to quarantine, 70.8% had undergone diagnostic tests, out of which 14.1% were positive. In total, 97.5% of those surveyed indicated their desire of being vaccinated, if possible, with Comirnaty® (74.9%). At the time of the study, 49.6% were already vaccinated. The reasons for vaccination differed according to the degree and the doubts about vaccine safety was the largest reason for reluctance. Some 37.7% suspected that there are unknown adverse effects and 85.6% of those vaccinated experienced some mild effects after injection. Vaccine acceptance and confidence in the recommendations given by health authorities is high in health sciences students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Rodríguez-Blanco
- Nursing and Physical Therapy Department, Health Sciences Faculty, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Plaza Reyes Católicos, 19, 03204 Elche, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Marina Baixa University Hospital, Av. Alcalde En Jaume Botella Mayor, 7, 03570 Villajoyosa, Spain
| | - Nancy Vicente-Alcalde
- Penitentiary Center Alicante II, General Secretariat of Penitentiary Institutions, 03400 Villena, Spain
| | - Laura Cubero-Plazas
- Departament of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Espartero 7, 46007 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jesús Sánchez-Más
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Health Sciences Faculty, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Plaza Reyes Católicos, 19, 03204 Elche, Spain
| | - Emilia Montagud
- Servicio de Farmacia de Atención Primaria, Departamento de Salud de Torrevieja, 03186 Torrevieja, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica de San Antonio, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Raul Moragues
- Center of Operations Research (CIO), University Miguel Hernandez of Elche (UMH), 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Eva Gabaldón-Bravo
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
| | | | - José Tuells
- Department of Community Nursing, Preventive Medicine and Public Health and History of Science, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
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Oladipo HJ. Increasing challenges of malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa: Priorities for public health research and policymakers. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 81:104366. [PMID: 36046715 PMCID: PMC9421173 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The ever-increasing cases and mortality due to malaria remains one of the most important public health threats, especially in sub-Saharan Africa-where this burden is considerably high. In 2020, sub-Saharan Africa accounted for about 95% of all cases and 96% of all malaria deaths with about 80% of these deaths reported in children under the age of 5. This review, adopting a public health focus, aimed to understand the challenges of malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa despite ongoing public health interventions. Our review highlights two important findings. First, the increasing resistance of malaria parasites to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) and its partner drugs coupled with increased vector resistance to pyrethroids and insecticides is reversing the progress of public health interventions in keeping malaria under control. Second, the wanning for the efficacy of the WHO-approved vaccine i.e. RTS,S from 60 to 70% following 18 months of observation, and its short-term availability remains an impediment to achieving the WHO target of producing malaria vaccines with more than 75% efficacy by 2030. Our findings underline the need to reassess research priorities with a focus on vaccine production in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, African governments and policymakers must be committed to invest both the political and financial capital in vaccine production and distribution.
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Dochez C, Duclos P, MacDonald N, Steffen C, Lambert PH. Advanced vaccinology training globally: Update and impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Vaccine 2022; 40:5683-5690. [PMID: 36030127 PMCID: PMC9393177 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.08.029] [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: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A total of 33 advanced vaccinology courses were in existence in 2021. Some vaccinology courses were not sustained since 2018. The number of vaccinology courses has been increasing during the last few years, with courses offered in each WHO region. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the cancellation or postponement of some vaccinology courses. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an increased number of courses are using an online or hybrid format.
The rapid development of innovations and new technologies, the focus on the life-course approach to immunization and equity, and the prevalent hesitancy towards vaccines requires immunization staff to be well-trained and updated regularly in order to deliver quality immunization services to the public. The need for advanced vaccinology training is therefore paramount. In preparation for a second Global Workshop on Advanced Vaccinology Training that took place in March 2022, this paper presents the results of a survey aiming to provide a thorough update of a landscape analysis on advanced vaccinology courses conducted in 2018 and a look at the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Thirty-three course organizers responded to a survey to provide information on their respective course. Of those, 17 courses are short courses, 11 post-graduate courses and 5 are Master level courses. Most courses are organized on an annual basis. Even though some courses were not sustained overtime, the number of courses has been increasing during the last few years, and at least one vaccinology course is now being offered in each WHO region. Although the training capacity has increased tremendously, the need still exceeds the capacity and many courses have way more applicants than they can select. The most frequent challenges reported included sustainable funding and identifying faculty. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the delivery of several vaccinology courses, which have been postponed or reformatted to an online or hybrid training event. An e-portal of the global collaboration has been established to facilitate communication between the different courses and to assist future course participants to identify the most suitable course for their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carine Dochez
- University of Antwerp, Network for Education and Support in Immunisation, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Philippe Duclos
- University of Geneva, Centre for Vaccinology, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| | - Noni MacDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, IWK Health Centre, 5850/5980 University Ave, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 6R8, Canada
| | | | - Paul-Henri Lambert
- University of Geneva, Centre for Vaccinology, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
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Rivas AL, Hoogesteijn AL. Biologically grounded scientific methods: The challenges ahead for combating epidemics. Methods 2021; 195:113-119. [PMID: 34492300 PMCID: PMC8423586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The protracted COVID 19 pandemic may indicate failures of scientific methodologies. Hoping to facilitate the evaluation and/or update of methods relevant in Biomedicine, several aspects of scientific processes are here explored. First, the background is reviewed. In particular, eight topics are analyzed: (i) the history of Higher Education models in reference to the pursuit of science and the type of student cognition pursued, (ii) whether explanatory or actionable knowledge is emphasized depending on the well- or ill-defined nature of problems, (iii) the role of complexity and dynamics, (iv) how differences between Biology and other fields influence methodologies, (v) whether theory, hypotheses or data drive scientific research, (vi) whether Biology is reducible to one or a few factors, (vii) the fact that data, to become actionable knowledge, require structuring, and (viii) the need of inter-/trans-disciplinary knowledge integration. To illustrate how these topics interact, a second section describes four temporal stages of scientific methods: conceptualization, operationalization, validation and evaluation. They refer to the transition from abstract (non-measurable) concepts (such as 'health') to the selection of concrete (measurable) operations (such as 'quantification of ́anti-virus specific antibody titers'). Conceptualization is the process that selects concepts worth investigating, which continues as operationalization when data-producing variables viewed to reflect critical features of the concepts are chosen. Because the operations selected are not necessarily valid, informative, and may fail to solve problems, validations and evaluations are critical stages, which require inter/trans-disciplinary knowledge integration. It is suggested that data structuring can substantially improve scientific methodologies applicable in Biology, provided that other aspects here mentioned are also considered. The creation of independent bodies meant to evaluate biologically oriented scientific methods is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Almira L Hoogesteijn
- Human Ecology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Merida, Mexico.
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Serino L, Maurici M, D’Alò GL, Amadori F, Terracciano E, Zaratti L, Franco E. Healthcare Workers Training Courses on Vaccinations: A Flexible Format Easily Adaptable to Different Healthcare Settings. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030514. [PMID: 32911808 PMCID: PMC7563464 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2017, Italy has expanded the compulsory vaccination from 4 to 10 for those aged 0 to 16 years. Because of the great organizational effort required for the immunization services, minor attention was given to the vaccinations not included among the mandatory ones. This situation led to a real difficulty in harmonizing the vaccination procedures even inside a single region. In the Lazio region, the Laboratory of Vaccinology of the University of Rome Tor Vergata established a working group to create a new training model for healthcare professionals. The course program proposed an update of three vaccinations which are not mandatory but actively offered. It included the same part of scientific updating and a variable part based on local experiences. A specific anonymous questionnaire on knowledge and attitude was administered. The study aimed to propose a general format of training courses for vaccination centers adaptable to the individual local health units (ASLs) and to evaluate through questionnaires. The results show differences in knowledge and attitudes toward non-mandatory vaccinations among the ASLs of Lazio, confirming the usefulness of a support to make knowledge and procedures homogeneous. This model could be adapted to any healthcare setting and exported to other services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Serino
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (M.M.); (G.L.D.); (L.Z.)
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Unit Roma 1, 00173 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Maurici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (M.M.); (G.L.D.); (L.Z.)
| | - Gian Loreto D’Alò
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (M.M.); (G.L.D.); (L.Z.)
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Unit Roma 1, 00173 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Amadori
- Specialization School for Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.A.); (E.T.)
| | - Elisa Terracciano
- Specialization School for Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.A.); (E.T.)
| | - Laura Zaratti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (M.M.); (G.L.D.); (L.Z.)
| | - Elisabetta Franco
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (M.M.); (G.L.D.); (L.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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Asturias EJ, Duclos P, MacDonald NE, Nohynek H, Lambert PH. Advanced vaccinology education: Landscaping its growth and global footprint. Vaccine 2020; 38:4664-4670. [PMID: 32475535 PMCID: PMC7294226 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In preparation for the first Global Vaccinology Training workshop in 2018, a survey of 27 advanced vaccinology courses was conducted to provide a landscape of the vaccinology education around the world. Advanced vaccinology courses have expanded dramatically over the last 20 years, with courses located in almost all regions, but with underrepresentation amongst the Eastern part of the European region, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Western Pacific regions. Most courses are of short duration (<2 weeks), have a global or regional reach, and attract a diverse range of participants from high, middle and low-income countries with representation from public health, academia, industry and less often regulators. Lack of sustainable funding and time commitments of faculty and coordinators is a constraint for most vaccinology courses and needs to be addressed. Continuation and extension of training in vaccinology worldwide will be necessary as increasing number of new and more complex vaccines are introduced, vaccine safety concerns and rumors continue their trend, and reemergence of some vaccine-preventable diseases will require a competent workforce to advance and deploy immunizations to larger populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin J Asturias
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13199 East Montview Blvd., S-310 Aurora, CO, USA; The Jules Amer Chair in Community Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado, 13123 E 16th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Philippe Duclos
- University of Geneva, Centre for Vaccinologie, 1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneve 4, Switzerland
| | - Noni E MacDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, IWK Health Centre, 5850/5980 University Ave, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 6R8, Canada
| | - Hanna Nohynek
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Department of Vaccines and Immune Protection, 166 Mannerheimintie, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paul-Henri Lambert
- University of Geneva, Centre for Vaccinologie, 1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneve 4, Switzerland
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BECHINI A, MOSCADELLI A, SARTOR G, SHTYLLA J, GUELFI M, BONANNI P, BOCCALINI S. Impact assessment of an educational course on vaccinations in a population of medical students. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2019; 60:E171-E177. [PMID: 31650050 PMCID: PMC6797880 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2019.60.3.1201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background The inadequate knowledge about vaccinations of healthcare workers, including medical doctors, has certainly contributed to the spread of the vaccine hesitancy. Therefore, it is essential to improve the level of knowledge of future doctors. The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of a course about vaccinations on the knowledge of medical students. Methods Medical students were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire before and after a seminar on vaccination that they willingly attended. The two questionnaires contained the same 10 questions about vaccines. Only the students who had attended the lecture were allowed to fulfil the post-lecture questionnaires through the learning management system (LMS) called “Moodle”. A descriptive statistical analysis of the data collected through the comparative evaluation of the answers before and after the seminar was performed. Mann-Whitney test for two independent samples was used to compare medians score before and after the interventions. Results A total of 100 medical students filled the pre-lecture questionnaire and 81 of them completed the post-lecture questionnaire. Knowledge of the students on the indication of the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine strongly improved after the seminar. Moreover, the number of students who would recommend vaccination for pertussis and influenza during pregnancy increased significantly by 37% and 19% respectively after the seminar and those aware of the need for Herpes Zoster vaccination over the age of 65 increased by 22%. Discussion For future doctors, a thorough knowledge about vaccinations is increasingly required in order to deal with vaccine hesitancy. Extracurricular seminars about vaccines, provided in the second half of the course of study, can have a highly positive impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. BECHINI
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
- Correspondence: Angela Bechini, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, viale Morgagni 48, 50134 Florence, Italy - Tel. +39 055 2751081 - E-mail:
| | - A. MOSCADELLI
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - G. SARTOR
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - J. SHTYLLA
- Research Unity IDECOM, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - M.R. GUELFI
- Research Unity IDECOM, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - P. BONANNI
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - S. BOCCALINI
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
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Duclos P, Martinez L, MacDonald N, Asturias E, Nohynek H, Lambert PH. Global vaccinology training: Report from an ADVAC workshop. Vaccine 2019; 37:2871-2881. [PMID: 30898392 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.02.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
At a workshop on 7-8 November 2018 the leaders of 26 advanced vaccinology courses met to carry out an extensive review of the existing courses worldwide, in order to identify education gaps and future needs and discuss potential collaboration. The main conclusions of the workshop concerned: opportunities for strengthening and expanding the global coverage of vaccinology training; evaluation of vaccinology courses; updating knowledge after the course; how to facilitate post-course 'cascade' training; developing and sharing best practices; the application of online and innovative approaches in adult education; and how to reduce costs and facilitate wider access to vaccinology training. The importance of collaboration and information exchange through networks of alumni and between courses was stressed. A web platform to provide information about existing courses for potential applicants is needed. Lack of sustainable funding is a constraint for vaccinology training and needs to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Duclos
- University of Geneva, Centre de Vaccinologie, 1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| | - Lindsay Martinez
- Independent consultant, 13 Chemin Maurice Ravel, CH-1290 Versoix, Switzerland.
| | - Noni MacDonald
- Dalhousie University, Division Pediatric Infections, IWK Health Centre, 5850/5980 University Ave, PO Box 9700, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Edwin Asturias
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13199 E. Montview Blvd, Suite 310, 80045 Aurora, United States.
| | - Hanna Nohynek
- National Institute for Health and Welfare Department of Vaccines and Immune Protection, 166 Mannerheimintie, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Paul-Henri Lambert
- University of Geneva, Centre de Vaccinologie, 1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
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Makenga G, Bonoli S, Montomoli E, Carrier T, Auerbach J. Vaccine Production in Africa: A Feasible Business Model for Capacity Building and Sustainable New Vaccine Introduction. Front Public Health 2019; 7:56. [PMID: 30949465 PMCID: PMC6435488 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Africa has the highest incidence of mortality caused by infectious diseases, and remarkably does not have the capacity to manufacture vaccines that are essential to reduce mortality, improving life expectancy, and promoting economic growth. GAVI has significantly helped introduction of new vaccines in Africa but its sustainability is questionable, and new vaccines introduction post-graduation is rare. Conversely, Africa with its high population and economy growth is an increasing potential market for vaccines. This study aimed to investigate how investment for vaccine production in Africa could be triggered and in which way it could be affordable to most African governments or investors. The investigation was based on a literature review and supplemented by online questionnaires directed to global vaccine stakeholders, African governments and regulatory authorities. In-depth interviews with experts in manufacturing capacity implementation and regulatory capacity building in Africa complemented the study. We also developed business plan scenarios including facility costs calculations and a possible investment plan based on expert opinions and publicly available information from pertinent sources. We saw that, governments in Africa, show interest in vaccine production establishments but only with external support for investment. The common regulatory functionality gap was the quality control laboratories to test vaccine lots before regulatory release. The global vaccine stakeholders showed less preference in investment for vaccine production establishment in Africa. The diverse political ambitions among African governments make it difficult to predict and access the market, a prerequisite for competitive production. A feasible solution could be a small production facility that would use technologies with high yield at low costs of goods to cover the regional needs. A respective antigen production facility is estimated to cost USD 25 Million, an affordable dimension for investors or interested African governments. Attractiveness for the African market is deemed to be high when targeting diseases almost exclusively for Africa (e.g., malaria or invasive non-typhoidal salmonella). With a smart 5 years tangible implementation plan, marketing agreements within existing regional collaborations and with a strong political will, an African government alone or together with an investor could convince global vaccine stakeholders and investors to support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geofrey Makenga
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Montomoli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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