Contribution of polio eradication initiative to effective new vaccine introduction in Africa, 2010-2015.
BACKGROUND
Significant progress has been made to increase access to vaccines in Africa since the 1974 launch of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). Successes include the introduction of several new vaccines across the continent and likely eradication of polio. We examined the contribution of polio eradication activities (PEI) on new vaccine introduction in the countries of the African Region.


METHODS
We reviewed country specific PEI reports to identify best practices relevant to new vaccine introduction (NVI), and analyzed trends in vaccine coverage during 2010-2015 from immunization estimates provided by WHO/UNICEF.


RESULTS
Of the 47 countries in African Region 35 (74%) have introduced PCV, 27 (57%) have introduced rotavirus, and 14 (30%) have introduced IPV. National introductions for HPV vaccine have been done in 5 countries, while 15 countries have held demonstration and pilot projects. In 2014, the regional coverage for the third dose of PCV (PCV3) and rotavirus vaccines was 50% and 30% respectively. By end of 2015, all countries within the meningitis belt will have introduced MenAfriVac™ vaccine.


CONCLUSIONS
PEI activities had a positive effect in strengthening the process of new vaccine introduction in the African Region. The major contribution was in availing immunization funding and providing trained and experienced technical staff to introduce vaccines. More investment is needed to advocate and sustain funding levels to maintain the momentum gained in introducing new vaccines in the region.
['Carole Tevi-Benissan|Mable|M|', 'Moturi|Edna|E|', 'Anya|Blanche-Philomene Melanga|BM|', 'Aschalew|Teka|T|', 'Dicky|Akanmori Barthlomew|AB|', 'Nyembo|Poy Alain|PA|', 'Mbulu|Leon Kinuam|LK|', 'Okeibunor|Joseph|J|', 'Mihigo|Richard|R|', 'Zawaira|Felicitas|F|']
D000349:Africa D060740:Disease Eradication D014943:Global Health D006801:Humans D017589:Immunization Programs D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines D011051:Poliomyelitis D011054:Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated D011055:Poliovirus Vaccine, Oral D022243:Rotavirus Vaccines D014480:United Nations D000073887:Vaccination Coverage D014944:World Health Organization
Polio Eradication New vaccine introduction Africa