IntroductionIncreases in global childhood vaccine delivery have led to decreases in morbidity from vaccine-preventable diseases. However, these improvements in vaccination have been heterogeneous, with some countries demonstrating greater levels of change and sustainability. Understanding what these high-performing countries have done differently and how their decision-making processes will support targeted improvements in childhood vaccine delivery.Methods and analysisWe studied three countries - Nepal, Senegal, Zambia - with exemplary improvements in coverage between 2000-2018 as part of the Exemplars in Global Health Program. We apply established implementation science frameworks to understand the “how” and “why” underlying improvements in vaccine delivery and coverage. Through mixed methods research we will identify drivers of catalytic change in vaccine coverage and the decision-making process supporting these interventions and activities. Methods include quantitative analysis of available datasets and in-depth interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders in the global, national, and sub-national government and non-governmental organization space, as well as community members and local health delivery system personnel.Ethics and disseminationWorking as a multinational and multidisciplinary team, and under oversight from all partner and national-level (where applicable) institutional review boards, we collect data from participants who provided informed consent. Findings are disseminated through a variety of forms, including peer-reviewed manuscripts related to country-specific case studies and vaccine system domain-specific analyses, presentations to key stakeholders in the global vaccine delivery space, and narrative dissemination on the Exemplars.Health website.Strengths and limitations of this studyThis study is led by a multidisciplinary team and grounded in several theoretical frameworks across disciplines from implementation science to behavioral theory.We utilized a cross cutting, cross-disciplinary, approach, which assessed relevant domains across our selected exemplars countries as well as within the subjects that arise from the data, over a roughly 20-year time horizon.We selected three countries with historically high unvaccinated populations to represent different geographies, cultures, and governments, as well as to highlight regions with historically high unvaccinated populations.We did not study a less successful, or “non-exemplar”, counterfactual country.The research tools identified and explored catalytic events and the implementation of external policies and development of internal policies and systems, with a focus on participants’ current experiences and perceptions of prior activities.

BACKGROUND: The essential components of a vaccine delivery system are well-documented, but robust evidence is lacking on how policies and implementation strategies are operationalized to drive catalytic improvements in coverage. To address this gap, we identified success factors that supported improvements in routine immunization coverage in Senegal, especially from 2000 to 2019. METHODS: We identified Senegal as an exemplar in the delivery of childhood vaccines through analysis of DTP1 and DTP3 coverage data. Through interviews and focus group discussions at the national, regional, district, health facility, and community-level, we investigated factors that contributed to high and sustained vaccination coverage. We conducted a thematic analysis through application of implementation science frameworks to determine critical success factors. We triangulated these findings with quantitative analyses using publicly available data. RESULTS: The following success factors emerged: 1) Strong political will and prioritization of resources for immunization programming supported urgent allocation of funding and supplies; 2) Collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Social Action and external partners fostered innovation, capacity building, and efficiency; 3) Improved surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation allowed for timely and evidence-based decision making; 4) Community ownership of vaccine service delivery supported tailored programming and quick response to local needs; and 5) Community health workers spearheaded vaccine promotion and demand generation for vaccines. CONCLUSION: The vaccination program in Senegal was supported by evidence-based decision making at the national-level, alignment of priorities between governmental entities and external partners, and strong community engagement initiatives that fostered local ownership of vaccine delivery and uptake. High routine immunization coverage was likely driven by prioritization of immunization programming, improved surveillance systems, a mature and reliable community health worker program, and tailored strategies for addressing geographical, social, and cultural barriers.

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Introduction The essential components of a vaccine delivery system are well-documented, but robust evidence on how and why the related processes and implementation strategies drive catalytic improvements in vaccination coverage are not well established. To address this gap, we identified critical success factors that may have led to substantial improvements in routine childhood immunization coverage in Nepal from 2000 through 2019. Methods We identified Nepal as an exemplar in the delivery of early childhood vaccines through analysis of DTP1 and DTP3 coverage data. Through interviews and focus group discussions at the national, regional, district, health post, and community level, we investigated factors that contributed to high and sustained vaccine coverage. We conducted a thematic analysis through application of implementation science frameworks to determine critical success factors. We triangulated these findings with quantitative analyses using publicly available data. Results The following success factors emerged: 1) Codification of health as a human right, along with other vaccine-specific legislation, ensured the stability of vaccination programming; 2) National and multi-national partnerships supported information sharing, division of labor, and mutual capacity building; 3) Pro-vaccine messaging through various mediums, which was tailored to local needs, generated public awareness; 4) Female Community Health Volunteers educated community members as trusted and compassionate neighbors; and 5) Cultural values fostered collective responsibility and community ownership of vaccine coverage. Conclusion This case study of Nepal suggests that the success of its national immunization program relied on the engagement and understanding of the beneficiaries. The immunization program was supported by consistent and reliable commitment, collaboration, awareness, and collective responsibility between the government, community, and partners. These networks are strengthened through a collective dedication to vaccination programming and a universal belief in health as a human right.

IntroductionThe essential components of a vaccine delivery system are well-documented, but robust evidence on how and why the related processes and implementation strategies prove effective at driving coverage is not well-established. To address this gap, we identified critical success factors associated with advancing key policies and programs that may have led to the substantial changes in routine childhood immunization coverage in Zambia between 2000 and 2018.MethodsWe conducted mixed-methods research based on an evidence-based conceptual framework of core vaccine system requirements. Additional facilitators and barriers were explored at the national and subnational levels in Zambia. We conducted a thematic analysis grounded in implementation science frameworks to determine the critical success factors for improved vaccine coverage.ResultsThe following success factors emerged: 1) the Inter-agency Coordinating Committee was strengthened for long-term engagement which, complemented by the Zambia Immunization Technical Advisory Group, is valued by the government and integrated into national-level decision-making; 2) the Ministry of Health improved the coordination of data collection and review for informed decision-making across all levels; 3) Regional multi-actor committees identified development priorities, strategies, and funding, and iteratively adjusted policies to account for facilitators, barriers, and lessons learned; 4) Vaccine messaging was disseminated through multiple channels, including the media and community leaders, increasing trust in the government by community members; 5) The Zambia Ministry of Health and Churches Health Association of Zambia formalized a long-term organizational relationship to leverage the strengths of faith-based organizations; and 6) Neighborhood Health Committees spearheaded community-driven strategies via community action planning and ultimately strengthened the link between communities and health facilities.ConclusionBroader health systems strengthening and strong partnerships between various levels of the government, communities, and external organizations were critical factors that accelerated vaccine coverage in Zambia. These partnerships were leveraged to strengthen the overall health system and healthcare governance.HighlightsThis paper describes how policies and programs contributed to improved vaccine coverage in ZambiaCommunication, coordination, and collaboration between implementing levels were imperativeAdjacent successes in health systems strengthening and governance were leveragedPolicies in Zambia include flexibility in implementation for tailored approaches in each district