Abstract
AbstractBackgroundCounterfeit travel vaccination certificates pose a significant threat to public health and compromise disease control measures. We investigated the self‐reported vaccination status, the validity of yellow fever vaccine (YFV) certificates (ICVPs), and knowledge and perception about the disease and its vaccine among Sudanese travelers departing through the Khartoum International Airport (KIA).MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional survey using a non‐probability convenience sampling technique among Sudanese travelers departing through KIA between October and November 2021. We assessed the self‐reported uptake of YFV and subsequently verified the ICVPs among those reported to be vaccinated. We also assessed participants’ knowledge about the disease in addition to their knowledge and perception of YFV.ResultsFour hundred travelers were interviewed. Most participants (88.0%) reported being vaccinated. However, two‐thirds of their ICVPs (63.0%) were counterfeit. More than one‐third of the participants (35.3%) had poor knowledge of YF and YFV. Carrying a valid ICVP was associated with participants' overall good level of knowledge about YFV (p = 0.030), knowledge about the nature of infection (p‐value = 0.008), disease transmission (p = 0.016) and prevention (p = 0.028), and countries that require a mandatory YFV proof (p = 0.005). Many participants perceived YFV as important (93.3%), safe (86.5%), and effective (82.0%).ConclusionThe proportion of counterfeit ICVPs was high. Many of the participants had a poor level of knowledge about YF and YFV. Counterfeit ICVPs have grievous implications for YF prevention and control in Sudan and other countries. There is an urgent need to revisit the implementation of the International Health Regulations in Sudan to leverage recent technological advancements in immunization information systems such as electronic certification.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
