Successive introduction of four new vaccines in Rwanda: High coverage and rapid scale up of Rwandas expanded immunization program from 2009 to 2013.

Tuesday, 10th of May 2016

Vaccine. 2015 Dec 17. pii: S0264-410X(15)01770-3. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.11.076. [Epub ahead of print]

Successive introduction of four new vaccines in Rwanda: High coverage and rapid scale up of Rwandas expanded immunization program from 2009 to 2013.

Gatera M¹ Bhatt S² Ngabo F³ Utamuliza M⁴ Sibomana H⁴ Karema C⁵ Mugeni C³ Nutt CT⁶Nsanzimana S⁴ Wagner CM⁷ Binagwaho A⁸.

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Abstract

As the pace of vaccine uptake accelerates globally there is a need to document low-income country experiences with vaccine introductions. Over the course of five years the government of Rwanda rolled out vaccines against pneumococcus human papillomavirus rotavirus and measles & rubella achieving over 90% coverage for each. To carry out these rollouts Rwandas Ministry of Health engaged in careful review of disease burden information and extensive cross-sectoral planning at least one year before introducing each vaccine. Rwandas local leaders development partners civil society organizations and widespread community health worker network were mobilized to support communication efforts. Community health workers were also used to confirm target population size. Support from Gavi UNICEF and WHO was used in combination with government funds to promote country ownership and collaboration. Vaccination was also combined with additional community-based health interventions. Other countries considering rapid consecutive or simultaneous rollouts of new vaccines may consider lessons from Rwandas experience while tailoring the strategies used to local context.