Real-time monitoring of the rollout of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in rural India using a digital tracking platform

Background: In 2017, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) was introduced into the Indian immunization program as a priority. However, monitoring the implementation of this program has been a major challenge in rural India. Novel digital health platforms, used to track vaccine delivery, can address this issue. Methods: We analyzed data collected in a rural part of the Udaipur District of India, which recently introduced PCV13 into the routine immunization program. The data were collected by Khushi Baby, a novel technology platform which facilitates tracking the vaccination status of individual children. We assessed the percent of children receiving 1, 2, or 3 doses of the vaccine at different ages and time points, as well as geographic variations in uptake. Only doses received before 12 months of age were considered for this analysis. Results: More than 96% of children captured by the database received the first dose of PCV13. Uptake of the second dose ranged from 69% to 90% across the five regions, and 44% to 76% of children received the third (booster) dose within 3 months of the recommended date. Conclusions: These data provide early evidence that the primary doses of PCV13 are being administered at a high level in rural India; however, there is considerable variability between regions. Additionally, the receipt of the booster dose may be lower than desired. Given the importance of the booster dose in reducing pneumococcal transmission, its delivery is essential to ensure maximal benefit of the vaccine program.

Development opportunities for digital tracking of goods

Subject. The country should primarily comply with its national interests when integrating into the global economy, thus acquiring methods and mechanisms for ensuring the transparency of business operations, concurrently reducing the administrative burden on the business community. Therefore, the expansion of digital technologies in public administration seems quite a promising mission. The construction and development of the national digital system for merchandise tracking is a critical project for this initiative. Objectives. I herein analyze the present and future of the national digital system for merchandise tracking in terms of the national security of Russia. Methods. The study is based on methods of logic and statistical analysis. Results. In the first part, I investigate strengths and weaknesses of the digitization in Russia and present various viewpoints on the matter. The digital traceability systems was discovered to influence entities of Russia’s national security. In the second part, I focus on the substance, purposes and types of traceability. The article also analyzes the legislative framework for the national traceability system. The final part sets out difficulties and aspects of improving the development of the national traceability systems. I emphasize that the Federal Customs Service of Russia and the Federal Tax Service of Russia should amplify their cooperation. Conclusions and Relevance. The national traceability systems should be developed so as to ensure the national security, respect interests of all economic agents.