The Genesis
The Vaccines and Medicines Utilization and Safety Surveillance (VxMedSS) exists to amplify vaccines and medicines safety monitoring through population-based surveillance platforms. It was set up with support from the EDCTP career development fellowship and the IMPRINT Network postdoc. The main aim was to establish a robust population-based pharmacovigilance platform piggybacked on a longitudinal population cohort within the Makerere University Centre for Health and Population Research (MUCHAP).
Rationale
Africa's healthcare landscape is blossoming with the promise of new vaccines for children, adults, and even pregnant women. These innovations offer powerful shields against life-threatening diseases, but their arrival demands another crucial evolution: meticulous safety monitoring. In this evolving landscape, technology emerges as a beacon, empowering both healthcare systems and individuals to report adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) and adverse events of special interest (AESIs).
While smartphones may be commonplace, the African context presents unique challenges. Limited internet access, language barriers, and varying levels of healthcare infrastructure require context-specific solutions. Imagine a simple SMS system, where a mother can report her child's fever after vaccination with a few clicks. Or picture a mobile app, translated into local languages, guiding healthcare workers through AESI/AEFI identification and reporting.
These tech-driven solutions aren't mere possibilities; they're becoming realities. Toll-free numbers and mobile platforms empower vaccine recipients and caretakers to become active participants in vaccine safety. Local languages and intuitive interfaces bridge the digital divide, ensuring even remote communities have a voice.
The embrace of technology for AESI/AEFI reporting isn't just about safeguarding individual health; it's about building trust in vaccination programs. With real-time data in hand, public health officials can swiftly address concerns, refine protocols, and ultimately, ensure new vaccines reach their full potential, protecting generations to come.
As we welcome new vaccines, let's not forget the responsibility that comes with it. By harnessing the power of technology, we can empower individuals, strengthen healthcare systems, and build a future where innovation and safety go hand in hand, leaving no one behind.
