Lessons from Recent Measles Post-Campaign Coverage Surveys Worldwide

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Vaccination Programs

Background:

• Measles elimination strategies rely on supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) to address immunity gaps.
• Post-campaign coverage surveys (PCCSs) are crucial for evaluating SIA effectiveness.
• This study analyzes recent PCCSs to identify challenges and strengths in assessing SIA coverage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize selected PCCSs conducted after recent SIAs.
• To identify challenges and strengths in PCCS implementation and reporting.
• To provide recommendations for improving PCCSs and their data utilization.

Main Methods:

• Extracted national SIA data (2020-2023) from the global measles/MR SIA database.
• Reviewed available PCCS reports from the World Health Organization.
• Analyzed PCCS implementation details, including sampling, implementer, and key findings.

Main Results:

• Only 23% of national SIAs since 2020 had available PCCS reports; all were from Gavi-eligible countries.
• PCCSs were often delayed, with less than half completed within three months of the SIA.
• PCCS coverage generally underestimated administrative data; however, many PCCSs successfully reported reaching zero-dose children.

Conclusions:

• A significant gap exists between recommended PCCS implementation and actual practice following SIAs.
• Timeliness, standardized reporting, and in-depth analysis of PCCS data require improvement.
• Enhanced guidance and technical support are needed to optimize PCCSs for measles control and elimination efforts.