The challenge of vaccine-preventable diseases continues to loom large in the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), demanding strategic use of constrained resources. Enhanced implementation of health economics and vaccine financing in national immunization initiatives is critical for addressing these challenges. A strategic regional needs assessment was conducted to identify existing applications, capacity gaps, and to chart paths for customized technical support.
Survey Execution and Key Findings
A meticulously designed online survey took place from January 28 to February 18, 2025, targeting the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) managers and chairs of National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAG) across 22 countries in the EMR. The questionnaire delved into five pivotal areas: current capabilities in health economics and vaccine financing, identified educational requirements, necessity for technical assistance, data availability, and strategic planning within immunization sectors. Using a combination of multiple-choice, Likert-scale, and open-ended formats, the survey’s responses revealed critical insights when analyzed and sorted by income level.
Disparities and Insights
The survey garnered a 73% response rate, with notable disparities identified in the integration of health economics within immunization programs. Merely three nations reported full integration, with nine countries indicating minimal or nonexistent incorporation. The analysis revealed that only a minority of high-income nations exhibited robust health economics capabilities in their immunization efforts.
Significantly, ten countries rated their financial forecasting ability as moderate or high, while a concerning 69% of respondents acknowledged lacking capacity in cost-effectiveness and vaccine financial sustainability analysis. Furthermore, only a quarter of the countries found data procurement straightforward.
- Three countries have fully integrated health economics in their programs.
- Two high-income countries display advanced health economics capabilities.
- A majority lags in cost-effectiveness analysis capacity.
- Data access remains problematic for many countries.
Concrete steps to bolster the integration of health economics and vaccine financing in immunization programs across the EMR are vital. Irrespective of a country’s income level, the study stresses the necessity for tailored capacity-building measures, robust technical assistance, and fostering cross-sector cooperation, notably with academic institutions. Policymakers in the region should prioritize these interventions to enhance immunization strategies and resource allocation, ensuring a more effective response to vaccine-preventable diseases within the diverse health landscapes of the EMR. Enhancing data accessibility and promoting financial literacy among stakeholders can further solidify program resilience and sustainability. Addressing these facets will be instrumental in advancing public health outcomes across the region.
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