Vaccine. 2022 Aug 24:S0264-410X(22)00817-9. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.06.048. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Vaccination is a cost-effective disease prevention measure. Sustainable financing is critical to successful implementation of vaccination programs. Countries in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) have vaccination programs that remain highly vulnerable to budget limitations.
OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to understand the current vaccine financing landscape in MEA; to assess the availability and variability of data on vaccination budgets, expenditure and schedules including introductions of new vaccines; and to identify and describe key trends.
METHOD: A targeted literature review was conducted for 69 MEA countries for data between 2010 and 2019. Descriptive analysis of the collected data was conducted.
RESULTS: Data on vaccination expenditure were available for 96% of the countries. However, data on vaccination budget were limited, and the variability was high. The median vaccination expenditure per capita was between US$0.57 and US$1.02. High-income countries spent the most on vaccination per capita (median US$3.41) compared to low-income countries (median US$0.69). The highest vaccination expenditure per capita was in countries that receive 100% government funding of vaccination programs (US$0.87) compared to those where government pays for > 0% to < 50% of vaccination expenditure (US$0.74). Vaccination expenditure as a proportion of gross domestic product was the highest (0.10%) in low-income countries and the lowest in high-income countries (0.01%). Vaccination expenditure as proportion of healthcare expenditure was the highest (1.76%) in low-income countries and the lowest in high-income countries (0.33%). Statistically significant trends in median expenditure per capita were identified for 27% of the countries. During this period, an average of 4.4 vaccines were introduced.
CONCLUSION: Data on vaccination expenditure in MEA was available for detailed analysis, and it was useful to understand the characteristics of vaccination funding in the region. It is important to secure adequate financing to sustain current vaccination programs and to introduce new vaccines.
PMID:36030126 | DOI:10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.06.048
