title: National logistics working groups: A landscape analysis study.
abstract: Several countries have acknowledged the contributions made by national logistics working groups (NLWG) to ensure equitable access to the expanded program on immunization's (EPI) vaccines against preventable diseases. In order to provide key insights to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) supply chain hub - as well as other players, including national EPI - a landscape analysis study was conducted from September 2015 to February 2016. This is a cross-sectional survey taken by 43 countries that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected through a desk review, consultation, interviews, and distance questioning. References and guidance were used to determine and specify the underlying mechanisms of NLWGs. The key findings are:This study has provided a general overview of the status of NLWGs for immunization in various countries. Based on the key insights of the study, technical assistance needs have been identified, and immunization partners will be required to help countries create and reinforce their NLWGs.
authors.affiliation: GaneshAID, Hanoi, Viet Nam. Electronic address: dleab@ganeshaid.com.
authors.forename: Dorothy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Leab
authors.affiliation: UNICEF, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schreiber
authors.affiliation: UNICEF, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Musonda
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kasonde
authors.affiliation: UNICEF, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Olivia
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Bessat
authors.affiliation: GaneshAID, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
authors.forename: Son
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bui
authors.affiliation: GaneshAID, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
authors.forename: Carine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Loisel
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009934:Organization and Administration; D014612:Vaccines / Q000600:supply & distribution*
chemical_list: D014612:Vaccines
keywords: EPI; Effective vaccine management; Human resources; Immunization; Improvement plan; National logistics working group; Supply chain