Authors: Emily Gibson, Mariam Zameer, Rebecca Alban, Luc Mahougbé Kouwanou
This review sought to identify countries where CHWs administer vaccines and to synthesize health systems factors that may influence the feasibility of CHWs administering vaccines. Data included peer-reviewed literature from three databases and gray literature identified through web searches and by CHW subject matter experts. From this database, 23 CHW cadres were identified that provide vaccination in twenty countries. Deliver models ranged from long-established national programs delivering routine immunizations to pilot projects delivering single specific vaccines. The following challenges were uncovered for CHWs involved in vaccination delivery: (1) inadequate supply chain training, (2) inadequate cold chain equipment, (3) difficulties with transportation for supplies and to communities, (4) heavy existing workload, (5) inadequate or irregular remuneration, and (6) inadequate or irregular supervision. These findings suggest that countries where CHWs deliver vaccinations should provide them with adequate remuneration, supervision, supply chain support and management, and formal integration within the health system to improve coverage in underimmunized communities.
Link: Community Health Workers as Vaccinators: A Rapid Review of the Global Landscape, 2000-2021
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Resource Topic: CHW, Vaccinators
Resource Type: Review
Year: 2023
Region: Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), North America (U.S. and Canada), Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Country: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, United States of America, Zambia
Publisher May Restrict Access: No