Strengthening National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups in resource-limited settings: current and potential linkages with polio national certification committees

Sharon A Greene,Koffi Isidore Kouadio,Kathleen F Cavallaro,Blanche-Philomene Melanga Anya,Humayun Asghar,Irtaza A Chaudhri,S Deblina Datta,Abigail M Shefer,Morgane E Donadel

doi:10.1186/s12961-020-00632-7

Abstract

BackgroundCountries are transitioning assets and functions from polio eradication to integrated immunization and surveillance activities. We assessed the extent of linkages between and perceptions of National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) and National Certification Committees (NCCs) for polio eradication to understand how linkages can be leveraged to improve efficiencies of these expert bodies.MethodsDuring May 2017 to May 2018, we administered a 15-question survey to a NITAG chair or member and an NCC counterpart in all countries of the WHO Regions for Africa (AFR) and for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMR) that had both a NITAG and an NCC. Data were analysed using frequency distributions.ResultsOf countries with both a NITAG and an NCC (n = 44), the response rate was 92% (22/24) in AFR and 75% (15/20) in EMR. Some respondents reported being very familiar with the functions of the other technical bodies, 36% (8/22) for NITAG members and 38% (14/37) for NCC members. Over 85% (51/59) of respondents felt it was somewhat useful or very useful to strengthen ties between bodies. Nearly all respondents (98%, 58/59) felt that NCC expertise could inform measles and rubella elimination programmes.ConclusionsWe observed a broad consensus that human resource assets of NCCs may serve an important technical role to support national immunization policy-making. At this stage of the polio eradication initiative, countries should consider how to integrate the technical expertise of NCC members to reinforce NITAGs and maintain the polio essential functions, beginning in countries that have been polio-free for several years.

Highlights

Countries are transitioning assets and functions from polio eradication to integrated immunization and surveillance activities
National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) members were less likely to complete the survey than National Certification Committee (NCC) members in both AFR (70% (n = 16) vs 92% (n = 22)) and Eastern Mediterranean (EMR) (30% (n = 6) vs. 75% (n = 15)), respectively, the response rate was higher for both NITAG and NCC members in AFR than in EMR (Table 1)
The length of service reported by NITAG committee members in AFR (n = 16) and EMR (n = 6) varied by region; NITAG committee members reported a shorter term of service in AFR, with a median of 2.8 years compared to 7.5 years in EMR

Summary

Introduction

Countries are transitioning assets and functions from polio eradication to integrated immunization and surveillance activities. We assessed the extent of linkages between and perceptions of National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) and National Certification Committees (NCCs) for polio eradication to understand how linkages can be leveraged to improve efficiencies of these expert bodies. The primary goal of national immunization programmes is to achieve high immunization coverage to prevent and control vaccine-preventable diseases, with the aim of meeting the Sustainable Development Goal for reducing childhood mortality [1]. The WHO has supported strengthening national decision-making processes and has emphasised the importance of establishing a National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) to make evidence-based recommendations on immunization policy [2]. Certain strategies are needed to help countries with constrained resources to integrate and strengthen NITAGs

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion