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Dixit SM, Sarr M, Gueye DM, Muther K, Yarnko TR, Bednarczyk RA, Clarke AT, Diakhite F, Diallo A, Dounebaine B, Duwadi SB, Ellis AS, Fullman N, Gerthe N, Gautam JS, Hester KA, Ikilezi G, Mbengue RS, Mboup S, Ndiaye BP, Rajbhandari RM, Phillips DE, Freeman MC. Addressing disruptions in childhood routine immunisation services during the COVID-19 pandemic: perspectives from Nepal, Senegal and Liberia. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e005031. [PMID: 34230065 PMCID: PMC8264163 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Moussa Sarr
- Institut de Recherche en Santé de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formations, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Daouda M Gueye
- Institut de Recherche en Santé de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formations, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | | | - Adolphus T Clarke
- Expanded Programme on Immunisation, Republic of Liberia Ministry of Health, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Fatoumata Diakhite
- Focal Point for EPI and Surveillance Activities, Health Center of Rufisque, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Aliou Diallo
- Expanded Programme on Immunisation Unit, WHO Country Office Senegal, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Anna S Ellis
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - Jhalak S Gautam
- Child Health and Immunization Section, Family Welfare Division, Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Population, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Kyra A Hester
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Rokhaya S Mbengue
- Focal Point for EPI and Surveillance Activities, Health Center, Philip Maguilene Senghor of Yoff, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Souleymane Mboup
- Institut de Recherche en Santé de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formations, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Birahim P Ndiaye
- Institut de Recherche en Santé de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formations, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Matthew C Freeman
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Hirschhorn LR, Gerthe N, Phillips DE, Rothschild O, Singh M, Binagwaho A. Lessons for responding to COVID-19, from Exemplars in Under-five Mortality Reduction. Gates Open Res 2020. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13165.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 may not have the same direct effects on children as it does on older adults, but its indirect effects still pose a threat to child health, by disrupting delivery of routine health services like immunizations. This has happened during previous crises, and early indications point towards similar disruptions due to the coronavirus pandemic. To mitigate this, countries need to build resilient health systems capable of maintaining essential maternal and child health interventions, while also responding to COVID. How can this be accomplished? To find some answers, we can learn from countries in the past who improved health outcomes in the face of challenging circumstances. Specific to child health, countries with positive-outlier performance in reducing under-five mortality provide helpful strategies. These lessons include a clear national plan that drives rapid response, leveraging existing data systems to inform decision-making, engaging communities via community health workers, and focusing on equity. Today, countries around the world are facing the challenge of responding to the pandemic while building resilient health systems that continue to deliver invaluable maternal and child health services. Studying lessons from previous success stories can help inform the road ahead.
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