title: Contribution of polio eradication initiative to effective new vaccine introduction in Africa, 2010-2015.
abstract: Significant progress has been made to increase access to vaccines in Africa since the 1974 launch of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). Successes include the introduction of several new vaccines across the continent and likely eradication of polio. We examined the contribution of polio eradication activities (PEI) on new vaccine introduction in the countries of the African Region.
  
  
  
  We reviewed country specific PEI reports to identify best practices relevant to new vaccine introduction (NVI), and analyzed trends in vaccine coverage during 2010-2015 from immunization estimates provided by WHO/UNICEF.
  
  
  
  Of the 47 countries in African Region 35 (74%) have introduced PCV, 27 (57%) have introduced rotavirus, and 14 (30%) have introduced IPV. National introductions for HPV vaccine have been done in 5 countries, while 15 countries have held demonstration and pilot projects. In 2014, the regional coverage for the third dose of PCV (PCV3) and rotavirus vaccines was 50% and 30% respectively. By end of 2015, all countries within the meningitis belt will have introduced MenAfriVac™ vaccine.
  
  
  
  PEI activities had a positive effect in strengthening the process of new vaccine introduction in the African Region. The major contribution was in availing immunization funding and providing trained and experienced technical staff to introduce vaccines. More investment is needed to advocate and sustain funding levels to maintain the momentum gained in introducing new vaccines in the region.
authors.affiliation: World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Republic of the Congo. Electronic address: tevibenissanc@who.int.
authors.forename: Mable
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carole Tevi-Benissan
authors.affiliation: World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Republic of the Congo.
authors.forename: Edna
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Moturi
authors.affiliation: World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Republic of the Congo.
authors.forename: Blanche-Philomene Melanga
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Anya
authors.affiliation: World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Republic of the Congo.
authors.forename: Teka
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Aschalew
authors.affiliation: World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Republic of the Congo.
authors.forename: Akanmori Barthlomew
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Dicky
authors.affiliation: World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Republic of the Congo.
authors.forename: Poy Alain
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Nyembo
authors.affiliation: World Health Organization Country Representative Office, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of the Congo.
authors.forename: Leon Kinuam
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Mbulu
authors.affiliation: World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Republic of the Congo.
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Okeibunor
authors.affiliation: World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Republic of the Congo.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mihigo
authors.affiliation: World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Republic of the Congo.
authors.forename: Felicitas
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zawaira
mesh_terms: D000349:Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D060740:Disease Eradication; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011051:Poliomyelitis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011054:Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011055:Poliovirus Vaccine, Oral / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D022243:Rotavirus Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014480:United Nations; D000073887:Vaccination Coverage; D014944:World Health Organization
chemical_list: D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines; D011054:Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated; D011055:Poliovirus Vaccine, Oral; D022243:Rotavirus Vaccines
keywords: Africa; Eradication; New vaccine introduction; Polio