COVID-19 provides an opportunity to build a resilient and equitable immunization delivery system

• Published in: The Pan African medical journal 2022, Vol.41 (Suppl 2), p.5-5
• Main Authors: Ba-Nguz, Antoinette Eleonore, Omer, Mohamed Diaaeldin, Danielsson, Niklas, Zulu, Flint, Haile, Dereje
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Opinion
• ISSN: 1937-8688; 1937-8688
• DOI: 10.11604/pamj.supp.2022.41.2.28420

The COVID-19 pandemic has weakened the health systems in many countries particularly putting at risk efforts on the Immunization Agenda to make vaccination available to everyone, everywhere, by 2030. Immunization Agenda 2030 reconfirms the importance of reducing the absolute number of zero-dose children and increasing the proportion of children who complete their vaccinations on time. Despite the gains in promoting equity in immunization services, many children missed vaccination because of the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted well planned strategies. The cancellation of outreach services following the COVID-19-motivated lockdown meant many children missed vaccination. The situation was further worsened by vaccination related rumors and fears. The collapse of the Primary Health Care (PHC) service provision during the epidemic may lead to higher under-five mortality similar to the Ebola Virus Disease epidemic in West Africa. The post COVID-19 recovery strategy should include strengthening the service delivery systems to remain resilient when threatened by emergencies. The recovery must therefore focus on rebuilding trust as the foundation for vaccine acceptance and demand which can only be achieved by appropriate community engagement.