A systematic review of vaccine availability at the national, district, and health facility level in the WHO African Region. (2nd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Iwu, Chinwe Juliana; Ngcobo, Ntombehle; Jaca, Anelisa; Wiyeh, Alison; Pienaar, Elizabeth; Chikte, Usuf; Wiysonge, Charles S.
• Is Part Of: Expert review of vaccines. Volume 19:Number 7(2020)
• Page Start: 639
• Page End: 651
• Publication Date: 2020-07-02
• Subjects: Vaccines -- immunization -- stock-outs -- shortages -- availability -- supply chain -- WHO Africa; Vaccines -- Periodicals; Vaccination -- Periodicals; 615.37205
• DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2020.1791088
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-0584

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: To describe vaccine stock-outs at national, district, and health facility levels in the WHO African region. Areas covered: We conducted a systematic review to identify studies reporting on vaccine stock-outs at national, district, and health facility levels in 47 African countries. We searched both published and unpublished literature, including the WHO/UNICEF Joint Reporting Form (JRF), for eligible studies. Expert opinion: Countries within the WHO African region continue to face the challenge of vaccine stock-outs at national, district, and health facility levels and this impacts on the delivery of immunization services. The frequency and the proportion of stock-outs vary between countries and between regions within a country. Countries need to put more efforts toward finding lasting solutions to vaccine shortages. We look forward to having more countries reporting vaccine stock-outs especially at the health facility level. Furthermore, countries are currently exploring different approaches for improving vaccine stock management. It is expected that in half a decade from now, more well-designed studies will be available that will inform decision-making