Abstract
Background. A group A meningococcal conjugate vaccine (PsA-TT) was developed specifically for the African “meningitis belt” and was prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) in June 2010. The vaccine was first used widely in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in December 2010 with great success. The remaining 23 meningitis belt countries wished to use this new vaccine.Methods. With the help of African countries, WHO developed a prioritization scheme and used or adapted existing immunization guidelines to mount PsA-TT vaccination campaigns. Vaccine requirements were harmonized with the Serum Institute of India, Ltd.Results. Burkina Faso was the first country to fully immunize its 1- to 29-year-old population in December 2010. Over the next 4 years, vaccine coverage was extended to 217 million Africans living in 15 meningitis belt countries.Conclusions. The new group A meningococcal conjugate vaccine was well received, with country coverage rates ranging from 85% to 95%. The rollout proceeded smoothly because countries at highest risk were immunized first while attention was paid to geographic contiguity to maximize herd protection. Community participation was exemplary.
Highlights
Introduction and Rollout of a NewGroup AMeningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PsA-TT) in African Meningitis Belt Countries, 2010–2014Mamoudou H
All of the supervisors and almost all of the vaccinators (98%) said that they would prefer to use a controlled temperature chain in their campaign
The most important problem was the late distribution of vaccines, logistics, and Information Education and Communication materials; the late development of social mobilization materials; the insufficient number of vaccination teams; a scarcity of team supervisors in the field; and an insufficient number of AEFI emergency kits
Summary
A group A meningococcal conjugate vaccine (PsA-TT) was developed for the African “meningitis belt” and was prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) in June 2010. The vaccine was first used widely in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in December 2010 with great success. The remaining 23 meningitis belt countries wished to use this new vaccine
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