In January 2010, Côte d&a... more In January 2010, Côte d'Ivoire became the first GAVI-eligible country in sub-Saharan Africa to establish a National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG). The Côte d'Ivoire "National Committee of Independent Experts for Vaccination and Vaccines" (CNEIV-CI) was created to strengthen national capacity for evidence-based policy decisions with regard to immunization and vaccines. The primary reasons for success in Côte d'Ivoire were a strong political will, the availability of sufficient national expertise, a step-by-step country-driven process, and the provision of technical assistance to the Ministry of Health. The challenges included operating within the socio-political crisis, and initial reluctance from some stakeholders due to the potential overlap with other existing committees. The latter rapidly dissolved over the course of numerous meetings held with the SIVAC Initiative to clarify the mandate of a NITAG.
The need for evidence-informed decision making in immunisation programmes has become crucial, esp... more The need for evidence-informed decision making in immunisation programmes has become crucial, especially in West Africa where countries face limited human and financial resources. Establishing national immunisation technical advisory groups (NITAGs) may help strengthen the national decision-making. A survey and literature review helped define the role of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) in piloting a regional approach for supporting countries in creating NITAGs. In 2011, a collaborative structure was set up to conduct the initiative, including WAHO as the leader, the supporting immunisation and vaccine advisory committees (SIVAC) initiative, and the evidence-informed policy network (EVIPNet) programme of the World Health Organization (WHO). During 2013, this process achieved its first successes with the official creation of NITAGs in Senegal and Benin. Eight other countries of the Economic Community of West African States have formally expressed their commitment at the highest political level of their respective governments to the process of establishing NITAGs.
In January 2010, Côte d&a... more In January 2010, Côte d'Ivoire became the first GAVI-eligible country in sub-Saharan Africa to establish a National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG). The Côte d'Ivoire "National Committee of Independent Experts for Vaccination and Vaccines" (CNEIV-CI) was created to strengthen national capacity for evidence-based policy decisions with regard to immunization and vaccines. The primary reasons for success in Côte d'Ivoire were a strong political will, the availability of sufficient national expertise, a step-by-step country-driven process, and the provision of technical assistance to the Ministry of Health. The challenges included operating within the socio-political crisis, and initial reluctance from some stakeholders due to the potential overlap with other existing committees. The latter rapidly dissolved over the course of numerous meetings held with the SIVAC Initiative to clarify the mandate of a NITAG.
The need for evidence-informed decision making in immunisation programmes has become crucial, esp... more The need for evidence-informed decision making in immunisation programmes has become crucial, especially in West Africa where countries face limited human and financial resources. Establishing national immunisation technical advisory groups (NITAGs) may help strengthen the national decision-making. A survey and literature review helped define the role of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) in piloting a regional approach for supporting countries in creating NITAGs. In 2011, a collaborative structure was set up to conduct the initiative, including WAHO as the leader, the supporting immunisation and vaccine advisory committees (SIVAC) initiative, and the evidence-informed policy network (EVIPNet) programme of the World Health Organization (WHO). During 2013, this process achieved its first successes with the official creation of NITAGs in Senegal and Benin. Eight other countries of the Economic Community of West African States have formally expressed their commitment at the highest political level of their respective governments to the process of establishing NITAGs.
Uploads