Resources - Policy and Health Reform

Vaccinating the World's Children: A Public Health 'Best Buy' (Global HealthLink, October 2005, pp. 4, 5, 21), by Robert Steinglass, Technical Director, IMMUNIZATIONbasics.

Part of Global HealthLink's special issue on child health, this brief article colorfully reviews the significance and development of immunization programs over the past half century. It argues that "Vaccination is a bargain in every country" and points out that "As an essential cost-effective public good that attracts little private sector support at the country level in developing countries, vaccination programs require deliberate public sector and donor investment to deliver services to all segments of the population." The article includes a description of the impressive development of immunization services in DR Congo over the past decade.

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Immunization and Health Reform: Making Reforms Work for Immunization - A reference guide (WHO, 2001)

This analytical discussion, illustrated by case studies from Zambia and Uganda, provides insights into how quality immunization can be sustained in a reformed and decentralized system.

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Sustainability of Achievements: Lessons Learned from Universal Child Immunization. Report of a Steering Committee (UNICEF, 1996)

Based on a review of documents and input from country staff, this analytical report examines "factors associated with the achievement of Universal Child Immunization (UCI) and... elements critical to the sustainability of immunization programs since 1990." The findings and recommendations are very relevant for those concerned with rapidly increasing coverage while also in building capacity to maintain high levels over time.

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Immunization and Health Sector Reform in the Kyrgyz Republic (WHO, 1999)

This is the report of a multi-agency mission to the Kyrgyz Republic that analyzed how to ensure that immunization services can continue to function well in the context of health sector reform. The MOH accepted major recommendations to establish a National Immunization Coordinating Committee, to prioritize immunization and promote explicit prevention goals in adopting health reform, and to use immunization coverage as an indicator of health outcome.

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The Immunization Inter-agency Coordination Committee [ICC] Model: Example from DR Congo (BASICS, 2002)

This article describes the effective ICC in DR Congo, pulling out key elements for effectiveness. It reviews the ICC's history, structure, functions, roles and actions. Available in English, French, and Russian (the latter supported by the Children's Vaccine Program).

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Download Document, French (PDF, 296KB)

Download Document, Russian (PDF, 792KB)

Impact of Targeted Programs on Health Systems: A Case Study of the Polio Eradication Initiative (Journal of the American Public Health Association, 2002)

Based on field studies, the authors argue that improved planning in disease eradication initiatives can minimize disruptions in the delivery of other services and maximize positive impact on routine services.

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