scholarly journals Implementing WHO Guidance on Conducting and Analysing Vaccination Coverage Cluster Surveys: Two Examples from Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Ndegwa Wagai ◽  
Dale A. Rhoda ◽  
Mary L. Prier ◽  
Mary Kay Trimner ◽  
Caitlin Clary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
World Health ◽  
Guidance Document ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Missed Opportunities ◽  
Campaign Coverage ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Health Organization

In 2015, the World Health Organization substantially revised its guidance for vaccination coverage cluster surveys (revisions were finalized in 2018) and has since developed a set of accompanying resources, including definitions for standardized coverage indicators and software to calculate them. In addition to tabular presentations of coverage by vaccine and age group, the guidance document and software (named the Vaccination Coverage Quality Indicators - VCQI) – provide insight into crude coverage versus valid doses, vaccination timeliness, missed opportunities for simultaneous vaccination, and vaccination campaign coverage stratified by several parameters, including the number of previous doses received. The VCQI software furnishes several helpful ways to visualize survey results. The current WHO survey guidance was used to design and conduct two nationally representative vaccination coverage surveys in Nigeria – one to assess routine immunization and one to measure post campaign coverage. The primary analysis for both surveys was conducted using VCQI. This paper describes those surveys and highlights some of the analyses that are facilitated by the new resources.

scholarly journals Implementing WHO Guidance on Conducting and Analysing Vaccination Coverage Cluster Surveys: Two Examples from Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Ndegwa Wagai ◽  
Dale A. Rhoda ◽  
Mary L. Prier ◽  
Mary Kay Trimner ◽  
Caitlin B. Clary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Vaccine Dose ◽  
Substantial Improvement ◽  
World Health ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Missed Opportunities ◽  
Campaign Coverage ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Health Organization

In 2015, the World Health Organization substantially revised its guidance for vaccination coverage cluster surveys (revisions were finalized in 2018) and has since developed a set of accompanying resources, including definitions for standardized coverage indicators and software (named the Vaccination Coverage Quality Indicators - VCQI) to calculate them. The current WHO vaccination coverage survey manual was used to design and conduct two nationally representative vaccination coverage surveys in Nigeria – one to assess routine immunization and one to measure post-measles campaign coverage. The primary analysis for both surveys was conducted using VCQI. In this paper, we describe those surveys and highlight some of the analyses that are facilitated by the new resources. In addition to calculating coverage of each vaccine-dose by age group, VCQI analyses provide insight into several indicators of program quality such as crude coverage versus valid doses, vaccination timeliness, missed opportunities for simultaneous vaccination, and, where relevant, vaccination campaign coverage stratified by several parameters, including the number of previous doses received. The VCQI software furnishes several helpful ways to visualize survey results. We show that routine coverage of all vaccines is far below targets in Nigeria and especially low in northeast and northwest zones, which also have highest rates of dropout and missed opportunities for vaccination. Coverage in the 2017 measles campaign was higher and showed less geospatial variation than routine coverage. Nonetheless, substantial improvement in both routine program performance and campaign implementation will be needed to achieve disease control goals.

scholarly journals Implementing WHO guidance on conducting and analysing vaccination coverage cluster surveys: Two examples from Nigeria

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0247415
Author(s):  
John Ndegwa Wagai ◽  
Dale Rhoda ◽  
Mary Prier ◽  
Mary Kay Trimmer ◽  
Caitlin B. Clary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Vaccine Dose ◽  
Substantial Improvement ◽  
World Health ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Missed Opportunities ◽  
Campaign Coverage ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Health Organization

In 2015, the World Health Organization substantially revised its guidance for vaccination coverage cluster surveys (revisions were finalized in 2018) and has since developed a set of accompanying resources, including definitions for standardized coverage indicators and software (named the Vaccination Coverage Quality Indicators—VCQI) to calculate them.–The current WHO vaccination coverage survey manual was used to design and conduct two nationally representative vaccination coverage surveys in Nigeria–one to assess routine immunization and one to measure post-measles campaign coverage. The primary analysis for both surveys was conducted using VCQI. In this paper, we describe those surveys and highlight some of the analyses that are facilitated by the new resources. In addition to calculating coverage of each vaccine-dose by age group, VCQI analyses provide insight into several indicators of program quality such as crude coverage versus valid doses, vaccination timeliness, missed opportunities for simultaneous vaccination, and, where relevant, vaccination campaign coverage stratified by several parameters, including the number of previous doses received. The VCQI software furnishes several helpful ways to visualize survey results. We show that routine coverage of all vaccines is far below targets in Nigeria and especially low in northeast and northwest zones, which also have highest rates of dropout and missed opportunities for vaccination. Coverage in the 2017 measles campaign was higher and showed less geospatial variation than routine coverage. Nonetheless, substantial improvement in both routine program performance and campaign implementation will be needed to achieve disease control goals.

scholarly journals Vaccination Coverage for Routine Vaccines and Herd Immunity Levels against Measles and Pertussis in the World in 2019

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 256
Author(s):  
Pedro Plans-Rubió
Keyword(s):  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Immunization Programs ◽  
National Immunization ◽  
The World ◽  
Measles Vaccination ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Health Organization

In 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the Global Vaccine Action Plan with the objective to promote essential vaccinations in all countries and achieve at least 90% vaccination coverage for all routine vaccines by 2020. The study assessed the mean percentages of vaccination coverage in 2019 for 13 routine vaccines, vaccination coverage variation from 2015 to 2019, and herd immunity levels against measles and pertussis in 2019 in countries and regions of WHO. In 2019, the mean percentages of vaccination coverage were lower than 90% for 10 (78.9%) routine vaccines. The mean percentages of vaccination coverage also decreased from 2015 to 2019 for six (46.2%) routine vaccines. The prevalence of individuals with vaccine-induced measles immunity in the target measles vaccination population was 88.1%, and the prevalence of individuals with vaccine-induced pertussis immunity in the target pertussis vaccination population was 81.1%. Herd immunity against measles viruses with Ro = 18 was established in 63 (32.5%) countries but not established in any region. Herd immunity against pertussis agents was not established in any country and in any region of WHO. National immunization programs must be improved to achieve ≥90% vaccination coverage in all countries and regions. Likewise, it is necessary to achieve ≥95% vaccination coverage with two doses of measles vaccines and three doses of pertussis vaccines in all countries and regions.

Overview of symptoms and their assessment in life-limiting illness

2021 ◽  
pp. 137-144
Author(s):  
Dilini Rajapakse ◽  
Maggie Comac
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Future Study ◽  
Symptom Assessment ◽  
World Health ◽  
Guidance Document ◽  
Paediatric Palliative Care ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Approaches ◽  
Moral Necessity ◽  
Health Organization

The aims of this chapter are to discuss the prevalence of symptoms in paediatric palliative care, the importance of accurate symptom assessment, as well as the principles of and challenges to assessing symptoms comprehensively. We examine the areas where knowledge and expertise are lacking and the reasons for this. Finally, we discuss novel approaches to assessing symptoms and discuss areas for future study. In 2018 the World Health Organization published a guidance document for healthcare workers delivering paediatric palliative care in which it describes ‘the medical and moral necessity of making palliative care accessible to all children in need and their families’.

scholarly journals Emergency Radiology During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Canadian Association of Radiologists Recommendations for Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 425-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ciaran E. Redmond ◽  
Savvas Nicolaou ◽  
Ferco H. Berger ◽  
Adnan M. Sheikh ◽  
Michael N. Patlas
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Radiology ◽  
World Health ◽  
Guidance Document ◽  
Emergency Setting ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
Imaging Service ◽  
Emergency Imaging ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus officially named the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic presents an unprecedented challenge to emergency radiology practice. The continuity of an effective emergency imaging service for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients is essential, while adhering to best infection control practices. Under the direction of the Board of the Canadian Association of Radiologists, this general guidance document has been synthesized by collaborative consensus of a group of emergency radiologists. These recommendations aim to assist radiologists involved in emergency diagnostic imaging to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and continue to add value to patient care in the emergency setting.

scholarly journals Are the Objectives Proposed by the WHO for Routine Measles Vaccination Coverage and Population Measles Immunity Sufficient to Achieve Measles Elimination from Europe?

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 218
Author(s):  
Pedro Plans-Rubió
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Measles Elimination ◽  
Reproduction Numbers ◽  
The World ◽  
Measles Vaccination ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Measles Vaccination Coverage

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) proposed two-dose measles vaccination coverage of at least 95% of the population and percentages of measles immunity in the population of 85%−95% in order to achieve measles elimination in Europe. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the measles vaccination coverage required to establish herd immunity against measles viruses with basic reproduction numbers (Ro) ranging from 6 to 60, and (2) to assess whether the objectives proposed by the WHO are sufficient to establish herd immunity against measles viruses. Methods: The herd immunity effects of the recommended objectives were assessed by considering the prevalence of protected individuals required to establish herd immunity against measles viruses with Ro values ranging from 6 to 60. Results: The study found that percentages of two-dose measles vaccination coverage from 88% to 100% could establish herd immunity against measles viruses with Ro from 6 to 19, assuming 95% measles vaccination effectiveness. The study found that the objective of 95% for two-dose measles vaccination coverage proposed by the WHO would not be sufficient to establish herd immunity against measles viruses with Ro ≥ 10, assuming 95% measles vaccination effectiveness. By contrast, a 97% measles vaccination coverage objective was sufficient to establish herd immunity against measles viruses, with Ro values from 6 to 13. Measles immunity levels recommended in individuals aged 1−4 years (≥85%) and 5−9 years (≥90%) might not be sufficient to establish herd immunity against most measles viruses, while those recommended in individuals aged 10 or more years (≥95%) could be sufficient to establish herd immunity against measles viruses with Ro values from 6 to 20. Conclusion: To meet the goal of measles elimination in Europe, it is necessary to achieve percentages of two-dose measles vaccination coverage of at least 97%, and measles immunity levels in children aged 1−9 years of at least 95%.

scholarly journals Insights on exclusive breastfeeding norms in Kinshasa: findings from a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francine E. Wood ◽  
Anastasia J. Gage ◽  
Dieudonné Bidashimwa
Keyword(s):  
Social Norms ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Optimal Growth ◽  
Capital City ◽  
World Health ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background For optimal growth and development, the World Health Organization recommends that children be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life. However, according to the nationally-representative 2013–2014 Demographic and Health Survey, under 50% of babies in the Democratic Republic of Congo are exclusively breastfed. Although breastfeeding was common in the capital city of Kinshasa, one in five newborns received alternatives to breastmilk during the first 3 days of life. This analysis aimed to identify social norms influencing exclusive breastfeeding, the role of a young first-time mother’s (FTM’s) social network for her choice to exclusively breastfeed, and perceived social sanctions associated with breastfeeding practices in Kinshasa. Methods The qualitative analysis was based on a vignette presented during 14 focus group discussions, with a purposively selected sample (n = 162) of FTMs age 15–24, and the male partners, mothers and mothers-in-law of FTMs age 15–24 in three health zones in Kinshasa in 2017. Thematic content analysis was performed to identify concepts and patterns in the participants’ discussions. Results Overall, community norms were not supportive of exclusive breastfeeding. The main barriers to exclusive breastfeeding were the belief held by most FTMs that exclusive breastfeeding was an uncommon practice; the desire to avoid negative sanctions such as name-calling and mockery for refusal to give babies water in the first 6 months of life; the desire to please key members of their social networks, specifically their mothers and friends, by doing what these influencers expected or preferred them to do; FTMs’ own lack of experience with infant feeding; and trust placed in their mothers and friends. Conclusion Social norms can be maintained by the belief about what others do, perceived expectations about what individuals ought to do, the negative sanctions they can face and their preference to conform to social expectations. Thus, addressing cultural beliefs and targeting sensitization efforts to key influencers that provide support to FTMs are needed to promote exclusive breastfeeding in Kinshasa. In doing so, strategies should address the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding including related misconceptions, and improve FTMs’ self-efficacy to overcome the influence of others.

scholarly journals COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance: Correlates in a nationally representative longitudinal survey of the Australian population

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Edwards ◽  
Nicholas Biddle ◽  
Matthew Gray ◽  
Kate Sollis
Keyword(s):  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Policy Measures ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Territory Government

AbstractBackgroundHigh levels of vaccination coverage in populations will be required even with vaccines that have high levels of effectiveness to prevent and stop outbreaks of coronavirus. The World Health Organisation has suggested that governments take a proactive response to vaccine hesitancy ‘hotspots’ based on social and behavioural insights.MethodsRepresentative longitudinal online survey of over 3000 adults from Australia that examines the demographic, attitudinal, political and social attitudes and COVID-19 health behavior correlates of vaccine hesitance and resistance to a COVID-19 vaccine.ResultsOverall, 59% would definitely get the vaccine, 29% had low levels of hesitancy, 7% had high levels of hesitancy and 6% were resistant. Females, those living in disadvantaged areas, those who reported that risks of COVID-19 was overstated, those who had more populist views and higher levels of religiosity were more likely to be hesitant or resistant while those who had higher levels of household income, those who had higher levels of social distancing, who downloaded the COVID-Safe App, who had more confidence in their state or territory government or confidence in their hospitals, or were more supportive of migration were more likely to intend to get vaccinated.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that vaccine hesitancy, which accounts for a significant proportion of the population can be addressed by public health messaging but for a significant minority of the population with strongly held beliefs, alternative policy measures may well be needed to achieve sufficient vaccination coverage to end the pandemic.

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