Mathematical Modelling serves as an important tool for immunisation decisions

At the beginning of the year, MASHA published a commentary article in the Vaccine Journal (Elsevier), entitled Advancing the use of vaccine impact modeling for immunization decisions in low- and middle-income countries.

This article contributes to closing the gap between mathematical modelling and immunisation decision-making for greater health and societal impact. In many countries, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), its use remains limited due to a lack of understanding of modelling approaches and insufficient skills to interpret, translate and apply results. This is further constrained by limited time, the availability of high-quality data, and financial resources.

MASHA, with Prof. Sheetal Silal in a leading role, contributed to this article and also to the recently published guidelines: WHO Guidance for Using Modelling for Immunization Decision-Making (link). She played a key role as chair of the WHO Immunization and Vaccines Related Implementation Research Advisory Committee (IVIR-AC).

The guidance is the result of more than 2 years of hard work and in-depth discussions, and MASHA is pleased to have contributed to the process, particularly relevant in the current global context. With a decline in global health funding and a shift in the political landscape, countries need to ensure access to vaccines, and mathematical modelling can support that by driving national policies based on robust evidence.

This is a first-line resource that will benefit National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs), Ministry of Health decision-makers, Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Managers, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and local communities.

Read the full article here.