ABSTRACT
Background and aim: The introduction of rotavirus vaccine (RVV) in the universal immunization program of India is a big feat as it became the first nation in the World Health Organization (WHO) Southeast Asia region to do so. The involvement of huge numbers of frontline workers in introducing new vaccines in India and the underlined deficits in skills and knowledge require efficient capacity building programs. In view of this, limited research is available on the effectiveness of capacity-building interventions for healthcare workers. There is a dearth of studies from India measuring the “on-spot” impact of immunization trainings on healthcare workers. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of training in RVV introduction in enhancing the knowledge of the participants. Methods: The study was conducted among the participants attending two training workshops for the introduction of RVV: a state workshop in Pune and a regional workshop in Guwahati. The participants who attended the workshops and participated in both the pre- and post-test were included in the study. Real-time data was collected via Google forms pre- and post-training sessions. Results: In both workshops, a comparison of pre- and post-test scores of all questions taken together showed a significant increase in the knowledge level of the participants (p < 0.05). In Guwahati, the knowledge of the participants regarding doses of RVV, inadequate dosing, vaccine vial monitor (VVM), open vial policy, operationalization of RVV and monetary incentive increased significantly. In Pune, the knowledge of the participants regarding doses of RVV, bundling approach, schedule and dose, storage temperature for RVV, VVM, open vial policy, vaccine delivery and operationalization of RVV increased significantly after the training. Conclusion: A pre-planned and well-designed knowledge assessment tool can be used to understand the impact of training workshops in enhancing the knowledge and practical skills of the participants prior to the introduction of a new vaccine.
ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is one of the largest programmes in the world in terms of quantities of vaccines administered, number of beneficiaries, number of immunization sessions, and geographical extent and diversity of areas covered. Strategic planning for the Programme requires credible information on the cost of achieving the objectives and the financial resources needed at national, State, and district levels. We present here expenditures on immunization services in India in 2012 (baseline) and projected costs for five years (2013-2017). Methods: Data were collected from the Immunization Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and immunization partners, such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF. The cost components were immunization personnel, vaccines and injection supplies, transportation, trainings, social mobilization, advocacy and communication activities, disease surveillance, Programme management, maintenance of cold chain and other equipment, and capital costs. Results: Total baseline expenditure was ` 3,446 crore [1 crore = 10 million] (US$718 million), including shared personnel costs. In 2012, the government paid for 90 per cent of the Programme. Total resource requirements for 2013-2017 are ` 34,336 crore (US$ 5, 282 million). Allocations for vaccines increase from ` 511 crore in 2013 to ` 3,587 crore in 2017 as new vaccines are assumed to be introduced in the Programme. Interpretation & conclusions: The projections show that the government immunization budget will be double in 2017 as compared to 2013. It will increase from ` 4,570 crore in 2013 to ` 9,451 crore in 2017.