[Modelization of recommendation framework advice for children immunization to Beninese decision makers]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Policy

Background:

• Declining immunization coverage in Benin and West Africa poses a significant public health challenge.
• National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) are crucial for guiding vaccine policy but face challenges in evidence analysis.
• Varied expert methods can lead to errors and limit the scientific validity of policy recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design an improved framework for evidence-based decision-making in immunization programs in the Republic of Benin.
• To promote a harmonized approach for expert consultative committees advising on vaccines and child immunization.
• To enhance the scientific rigor and comparability of vaccine recommendations.

Main Methods:

• Development of a framework integrating scientific and administrative steps for expert immunization committees.
• Inclusion of a Ministerial referral procedure and a recommendation framework.
• Emphasis on evidence-based data collection, appropriate model analyses, scientific discussions, and ethical considerations.

Main Results:

• The proposed framework outlines four scientific steps: Ministerial referral, recommendation framework, data collection, and model analysis.
• It also includes three administrative steps: scientific discussion, work meetings, and ethical considerations.
• This structured approach aims to standardize expert advice on vaccines and child immunization.

Conclusions:

• The designed framework offers a more harmonized and rigorous approach to evidence-based vaccine recommendations in Benin.
• Implementation of this framework can improve the scientific validity and comparability of advice provided to policymakers.
• This initiative supports national efforts to strengthen immunization programs and combat avoidable diseases.