TechNet21 English

[michel_othepa]

Dear moderator:

As you may know, since November 2007, IMMUNIZATIONbasics project,
along with other partners, started to provide extensive technical
support to the National Immunization Program (NIP) in Rwanda, helping
technical staff with the preparation of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
introduction.

1. Proposal development

IMMUNIZATIONbasics project worked closely with the National
Immunization Program (NIP) to prepare Rwanda's application to GAVI
for the introduction of pneumococcal vaccine. In doing so,
IMMUNIZATIONbasics coordinated closely with WHO/AFRO's Inter-country
Support Team (IST) for Central Africa. Both organizations worked with
the NIP to review Rwanda's cMYP, developed the pneumococcal vaccine
introduction plan, and drafted the application to GAVI for
the introduction of this vaccine.

Given the fact that the seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
(PCV-7) to be provided by GAVI has unique product characteristics that
pose challenges (provided in pre-filled glass syringes, without vaccine
vial monitors (VVM), without needles attached, that occupy a high
per-dose storage volume in the cold chain (55.9 cm3 per dose) and
require special, high-temperature incinerators for their eventual
destruction after use, IMMUNIZATIONbasics worked closely with the NIP
to address the following challenges:

2. Cold chain needs

Special advocacy to increase cold chain needs at district and health
facility levels

3. Review of the EPI management tools, taking into account the needed
information related to pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

4. Waste management and disposal

Special waste management and disposal system for pneumococal conjugate
vaccine in pre-filled glass syringes

5. Training

Training of trainers and of the health workers using the specific
training modules and Fiches techniques developed for this vaccine in
its current presentation

6. Key messages to mothers and health workers

Pre-test of the existing messages and development of appropriate
messages taking into account the needs and concerns of mothers /
caregivers related to this new vaccine, especially for their
willingness to accept/provide two injections the same day.

Attached are documents and several training material we, at the
IMMUNIZATIONbasics project, developed and used in Rwanda:

a) Documentation on perceptions of mothers and health workers
related to pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Rwanda (English)
b) Technical support required to support a country for the new vaccine
introduction (English)
c) Training material for health workers (French)
d) Training module for the trainers (French)
d) Job aid for health workers (French and English)

Thank you very much!

Michel Othepa MD, MPH
Technical Officer
IMMUNIZATIONbasics
JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc.
www.immunizationbasics.jsi.com





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