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Evans-Gilbert T, Figueroa JP, Bonvehí P, Melgar M, Stecher D, Kfouri R, Munoz G, Bansie R, Valenzuela R, Verne E, Salas D, Jennifer Sanwogou N. Establishing priorities to strengthen National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups in Latin America and the Caribbean. Vaccine 2024; 42:2310-2316. [PMID: 38438288 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.02.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Americas faced a significant decline in vaccination coverage as well as increased vaccine hesitancy. The objective of this paper is to summarize the challenges and opportunities outlined by the National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and prioritize targeted interventions. The exploratory survey included open-ended questions on two primary components: challenges, and opportunities. Free-text comments presented by each NITAG were collated and classified using indicators and sub-indicators of the NITAG Maturity Assessment Tool (NMAT). Opportunities were classified thematically, and priority actions were generated from the responses. All 21 NITAGs in LAC, representing 40 countries, 76 % of which have been active for over a decade, responded to the survey. The most common challenges were establishment and composition (62 %), integration into policymaking (62 %), resources and secretariat (52 %), and stakeholder recognition (48 %). The distribution of responses was seen across the whole sample and did not suggest a more pronounced need in relation to year of establishment. Opportunities included maximizing the Regional NITAG Network of the Americas (RNA) to facilitate collaboration, information sharing, visibility, and communication; existing global, regional, and systemic analyses; the World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization (WHO/PAHO) templates for standard operating procedures; twinning programs with mature NITAGs; and NITAGs in governance structures. Action plans were outlined to formalize the establishment of NITAGs and broaden their composition; strengthen decision-making and access to data resources; and enhance the credibility of evidence-based recommendations and their uptake by policymakers and the public. NITAG challenges are not unique to LAC. NITAGs have outlined a short-term prioritized action plan which is critical to enhancing NITAG value and importance in countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Evans-Gilbert
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica.
| | - J Peter Figueroa
- Department of Community Health and Psychiatry, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica.
| | - Pablo Bonvehí
- Center for Medical Education and Clinical Research, Av. Las Heras 2929, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Mario Melgar
- Hospital Roosevelt, Ciudad de Guatemala 01011, Guatemala.
| | - Daniel Stecher
- Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, C1121 ABG Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Renato Kfouri
- Immunization Department, Brasilian Society of Pediatrics, R. Santa Clara, 292 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22041-012, Brazil.
| | - Greta Munoz
- Hospital Pediátrico Baca Ortiz, S/N y D.M., Avenida 6 de Diciembre & Av. Cristóbal Colón, Quito, Ecuador.
| | - Rakesh Bansie
- Academic Hospital Paramaribo, RRP8+PQ7, Flustraat, Paramaribo, Suriname.
| | | | - Eduardo Verne
- Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, Av. Honorio Delgado 262, San Martín de Porres 15102, Peru.
| | - Daniel Salas
- Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, 525 23 Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
| | - N Jennifer Sanwogou
- Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, 525 23 Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
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