Challenges and constraints to vaccination in developing countries

• Published in: Developments in biologicals Vol. 130; p. 73
• Main Authors: Alders, R G, Bagnol, B, Young, M P, Ahlers, C, Brum, E, Rushton, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 2007
• Subjects: Agriculture - economics; Animals; Birds; Commerce; Developing Countries - economics; Humans; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype - immunology; Influenza in Birds - prevention & control; Influenza Vaccines - economics; Risk Factors; Vaccination - economics; Vaccination - veterinary
• ISSN: 1424-6074

The challenges and constraints to vaccinating poultry in areas where adequate infrastructure and human resources are lacking are addressed in both a technical and a socioeconomic framework. The key issues discussed are: (1) selection of an appropriate vaccine and vaccination technique, including the advantages and disadvantages of a combined vaccine against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and Newcastle disease and addressing the differences between endemic disease and emergency disease control; (2) vaccine conservation and distribution; (3) evaluation of the flocks to be vaccinated in terms of their disease status, immunocompetence and production systems; (4) design of effective information, education and communication materials and methods with and for veterinary and extension staff as well as commercial and smallholder producers and community vaccinators in rural areas; (5) evaluation and monitoring systems for technical and socioeconomic factors that affect vaccination; (6) support and coordination of and by relevant public and private agencies; (7) the role of simultaneous implementation of other control activities in addition to vaccination; (8) the importance of assessing the costs and cost-effectiveness of various approaches to the control of HPAI, including the prevention of other endemic killer diseases and options for cost-sharing; (9) evaluation of the incentives for poultry-holders, vaccinators and vaccine producers to contribute to and participate in effective vaccination campaigns; and (10) policy development and the organizational framework for short- and long-term implementation and communication to decision-makers.