[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 the Republic of Benin and West Africa poses a significant public health challenge.
• National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) are crucial for evidence-based vaccine recommendations but face challenges due to varied analytical methods.
• Lack of a rigorous framework hinders the comparison of scientific validity and statistical power of expert recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design an improved framework for expert consultative committees in the Republic of Benin.
• To promote a harmonized, evidence-based approach to vaccine recommendations and child immunization.
• To enhance the scientific validity and statistical power of advice provided to policymakers.

Main Methods:

• Development of a framework integrating scientific and administrative steps for expert 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 includes four scientific steps: Ministerial referral, recommendation framework, data collection, and model analysis.
• Three administrative steps are incorporated: scientific discussion, work meetings, and ethical considerations.
• The framework aims to standardize expert advice on vaccines and child immunization.

Conclusions:

• The designed framework offers a structured approach to improve evidence-based decision-making for immunization programs in Benin.
• Harmonizing expert methods through this framework can lead to more robust and comparable vaccine recommendations.
• Implementation of this framework is expected to strengthen national immunization technical advisory groups and improve child health outcomes.