Scientific and Practical Center for the Protection of Public Health, Armenia
Addressing the concerns and questions of key decision-makers
In April 2010, PATH partnered with the Armenian Scientific and Practical Center for the Protection of Public Health and Social Rights to advocate for rotavirus vaccine introduction in Armenia.
A study carried out by the partners demonstrated that high-level ministry officials, academics, leading pediatricians and other key decision-makers were primarily concerned as to whether the disease burden in the country warrants vaccination, whether the vaccine is effective and safe, and whether Armenia can afford a new vaccine now and sustain its use in the future without donor support. WHO’s recommendation that all countries introduce rotavirus vaccines, along with evidence of rotavirus vaccine cost-effectiveness in the region, and evidence of public health impact in countries where the vaccine was introduced also were important factors in Armenian officials’ decision-making process.
The partners developed a rotavirus vaccine advocacy strategy for Armenia that aims to demonstrate the disease burden in the country; share available evidence on efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness, and public health impact; address concerns of key Armenian decision-makers to achieve a political consensus on the value of rotavirus immunization; and lay the groundwork for the Ministry of Health and donors to eventually adopt the vaccine.