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Building immunization decision-making capacity within the World Health Organization European Region
Liudmila Mosina1, Siddhartha Sankar Datta1, Abigail Shefer2
1World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, UN City, Marmorvej 51, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Vaccine
|June 22, 2020
Summary
Newly established National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) improved their evidence-based decision-making through WHO-led training. Continued technical support from global partners is crucial for strengthening immunization programs in low- and middle-income countries.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Policy
- Immunization Programs
Background:
- National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) are expert bodies advising on immunization policy.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe focuses on strengthening NITAG capacity in low- and middle-income countries.
- Existing NITAGs require enhanced functioning for evidence-based decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement a new training strategy for NITAGs.
- To improve the functioning and evidence-based recommendation capabilities of NITAGs.
- To support alignment of NITAG charters and processes with WHO recommendations.
Main Methods:
- A collaborative training strategy was developed by WHO Regional Office for Europe, WHO Headquarters, and the USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Training workshops were conducted for newly-established NITAGs.
- Follow-up technical support was provided to participating countries.
Main Results:
- Participating countries reported that updated training materials and interactive approaches enhanced NITAG functioning.
- Technical support and training enabled alignment of NITAG charters and processes with WHO recommendations.
- Positive feedback indicates improved capacity for evidence-based decision-making.
Conclusions:
- The implemented training strategy effectively strengthened NITAG capacity.
- Continued technical support from WHO and CDC is essential for the sustainability and progress of NITAGs.
- Strengthening NITAGs is vital for informed immunization policy and program decisions globally.