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New Vaccines in Pacific Island Countries to improve child survival
The project aims to support the introduction, roll-out and uptake of 3 new vaccines (HPV, PCV, RV) in nine Pacific Island countries and territories by contributing towards the following three outputs:
- National capacities enhanced to strengthen immunization policy and legislation in nine Pacific Island Counties and Territories (PICTs)
- Health system capacities strengthened to deliver quality immunisation services that are adapted to climate change in nine PICTs.
- Caregivers in nine PICTs have improved knowledge and skills to adopt recommended immunisation practices.
During the reporting period, UNICEF supported all nine countries and territories with targeted assistance, depending on their status of vaccine introduction. Highlights include:
- The roll-out of new vaccines was launched in several countries and territories: Samoa and Tonga introduced HPV, while Tokelau rolled out all PCV, RV, and HPV. Despite delays caused by tropical cyclones, Vanuatu managed to launch HPV vaccine in Malampa Province in June 2023, and the phased rollout covering different provinces is ongoing.
- To complement UNICEF support to countries with the development of operational guidelines for PCV, Rota and HPV; UNICEF also supported countries with the review and updating of cold chain and supply chain guidelines, development of job aids and delivery of health worker trainings on the three new vaccines (including refresher training in five countries).
- UNICEF supported ministries of health in six countries in the training and implementation of EVMA. The criteria for effective vaccine management are assessed every 3-5 years to evaluate the performance of immunization Supply Chain Management (iSCM) and vaccine management process. The assessment also identifies gaps and recommends a comprehensive improvement plan to reach the recommended performance scoring. Samoa and Kiribati have completed the assessment, while data collection is currently underway in Cook Islands, Tonga, Tokelau, and Tuvalu.
- The development of community engagement strategies for the roll-out of HPV vaccines in Vanuatu and Kiribati made considerable progress during the reporting period. These strategies will guide the governments’ efforts to engage the community and widely communicate the benefits of immunization, mobilize caregivers of eligible children, and address vaccine hesitancy.