| ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER |
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| Year : 2007 | Volume
: 20
| Issue : 3 | Page : 120 |
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Strengthening Immunization in a West African Country: Mali
JB Milstien1, M Tapia1, SO Sow2, L Keita2, K Kotloff1
1 University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
2 Centre pour les vaccins en development, Bamako, Mali
Correspondence Address:
J B Milstien
3 bis rue des Coronilles, Res Parc de Clementville Bat C,34070 Montpellier, France
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
PMID: 18080961
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Objectives and context: This paper describes the preliminary outcomes of a collaborative capacity-building initiative performed in Mali to strengthen the immunization program.
Methods: We conducted baseline assessments, training and post-training assessments in four programmatic areas: vaccine management, immunization safety, surveillance, and vaccine coverage, using adapted World Health Organization (WHO) tools. Impact assessment was done by evaluation of trainee performance, programmatic impact and sustainability.
Results: Qualitative and quantitative improvement of trainee performance was seen after the training interventions: some knowledge improvement, greater compliance with vaccine management practices and improved vaccine coverage. Deficiencies in information transfer to the periphery were identified.
Conclusions: The program involves shared responsibility for planning, implementation and financing with national stakeholders while emphasizing the training of leaders and managers to ensure sustainability. Although short-term gains were measured, our initial assessments indicate that sustained impact will require improvements in staffing, financing and guidelines to ensure delivery of information and skills to the periphery. |
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