New Partnerships

In late 2022, Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan partnered with PIVI to strengthen their vaccination programs, driven by a shared interest to collaborate and explore regional strategies for influenza vaccination. Stable national vaccination programs not only benefit local communities but also play a pivotal role in pandemic readiness while bolstering global health security. 

Challenges and Opportunities in Healthcare Integration

The healthcare systems across the Middle East and North Africa vary widely, ranging from well-developed systems to those with limited access, inadequate infrastructure, and personnel shortages. In addition, populations often have access to both public and private health systems. These challenges pose barriers to the effective prevention, detection, and management of influenza, and other respiratory virus outbreaks, with the lack of integration between public and private health systems hindering data sharing and analysis. Without integrated systems, effective coordination during a crisis becomes a challenge. Even with a limited influenza vaccination campaign of 10,000 doses last year, PIVI’s partners in Lebanon underscored the need for better integration of public and private data systems. Currently, the Ministry of Health is working to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and refine communication channels, essential for the success of vaccination campaigns.

Egypt’s influenza program is robust,  distributing 500,000 doses last influenza season. PIVI works with the Ministry of Health and the WHO in Egypt to support the integration of public and private data systems. Egypt’s work toward harmonizing systems, integrating vaccinations into the Expanded/Essential Program on Immunization (EPI) framework, and streamlining field implementation will enhance accessibility and impact.

Vaccinating Healthcare Workers

Along with integrating systems, vaccinating health workers is vital given that vaccination not only protects their health but also influences community perceptions, significantly impacting uptake. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the critical need to keep health workers vaccinated for collective well-being. Addressing initial hesitancy among some health workers, studies have identified barriers such as skepticism and logistical hurdles. PIVI’s support in the Middle East and North Africa includes coordinating efforts and developing persuasive strategies, such as educational campaigns and streamlined vaccine distribution, to overcome these barriers and boost vaccination rates among health workers. 

Collaboration Yields Results

Through collaborative initiatives with organizations like PIVI and the WHO, and concerted vaccination campaigns, countries in the region are making important strides toward strengthening their vaccine delivery systems, making themselves ready to face the next pandemic. However, challenges such as healthcare integration remain, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration in the future. PIVI remains ready to partner – strengthening vaccine delivery systems to protect communities around the world.