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REVOLUTIONIZING VACCINATION FROM SYRINGES TO PATCHES -RURAL SETTINGS

Health Education and Awareness
June 01, 2023

As Africa continues its efforts to combat vaccine-preventable diseases, such as polio and measles, the introduction of patches as an alternative to syringes for vaccination holds great potential. Building on recent experiences, such as the Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) conducted for polio in Tanzania and the outbreak response in Malawi, we can forecast the potential impact of adopting patches in the African context, particularly in Tanzania.

Increased Vaccination Coverage:

The utilization of patches in vaccination campaigns has the potential to significantly improve coverage rates in Africa. By addressing the challenges associated with syringe shortages and hesitations related to needle usage, patches offer a more accessible and acceptable option for immunization. In Tanzania, where the SIA campaigns followed a National immunization campaign under the UNICEF, MOH, and WHO joint force response, the yield was high seen in the reporting at the IVD, due to the reasons, one can say, the means of administration, where the oral polio is administered by 2-drops of o.5ml of weaken Oral polio vaccine. According to the statistics, there were no VAAP cases reported during the time of vaccination or within 40 days of any sudden paralysis AFP in the Southern zone this shows that moving from injectable to patches will yield more coverage—herd immunity specifically to BCG, Hepatitis B, and Polio doses. In the 1850s -( it was said the first vaccine to be tested was in DRC; *I'll attach the source), as the world was busy tackling the global eradication of Smallpox, Rotary took the trouble to enable vaccination of 6 million infants. By the 1870s, it played a crucial role in polio eradication. In Animal diseases ( Zonosese),as of 2011, the eradication of rinderpest with the North to the South mass vaccination campaign, it is 2023 the Data shows that:-

75% of emerging Infectious diseases of human have an animal origin (Ebola, HIV, Influenza)

65% of existing human infectious diseases are zoonoses

5% of new human diseases appear every year 3% are of animal origin

80% of agents with potential bioterrorist use are zoonotic pathogens

Hence, the adoption of patches could enhance coverage by ensuring a more efficient and comfortable vaccination process. This, in turn, would contribute to the prevention and control of vaccine-preventable diseases, reducing their incidence and impact on public health globally.

Enhanced Community Acceptance and Trust:

One key factor influencing vaccination rates in Africa is community acceptance and trust in the healthcare system. The introduction of patches can help overcome the fear and hesitations often associated with needle-based vaccinations, especially among parents and caregivers. By providing a more child-friendly and less intimidating approach, patches have the potential to enhance community acceptance and trust in vaccination programs. Hence,, positive perception can lead to increased demand for immunization services, resulting in higher coverage rates and improved disease control.

Improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness:

Patches offer advantages in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness, the simplified application process, and reduced need for trained healthcare personnel, patches can streamline vaccination campaigns, especially in resource-limited settings. The time and resources saved in training and administration can be redirected towards reaching more communities and ensuring broader coverage. Additionally, the elimination of syringe-related costs, such as procurement, disposal, and sharps management, can lead to cost savings and more sustainable immunization programs.

Mitigation of Outbreak Risks:

Recent outbreaks, such as the one in Malawi, highlight the urgency of swift and effective response strategies. The use of patches in outbreak response activities can facilitate faster and broader immunization coverage, reducing the risk of disease transmission. By overcoming logistical challenges, such as cold chain requirements and syringe availability during emergency campaigns, patches can ensure a rapid and efficient response, mitigating the impact of outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations.