[Technical cooperation strategies to revitalize immunization programs in priority countries in the AmericasEstratégias de cooperação técnica para revitalização do programa de imunização em países prioritários da Região das Américas].

Abstract

Objective: To describe and systematize experiences and lessons learned in the implementation of a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) technical cooperation strategy in countries at high risk of importation and spread of measles and rubella, with the following objectives: monitoring the progress of vaccination coverage through microplanning, strengthening risk analysis and epidemiological surveillance, and providing a rapid response to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study of the interventions carried out by PAHO, with the support of seven epidemiologists who were trained and sent to nine countries in the Region between August and December 2023. The collected data were consolidated and analyzed along four strategic lines: vaccination, epidemiological surveillance, risk analysis, and preparedness for a rapid response to outbreaks. Information was collected through a questionnaire that included qualitative and quantitative data, following up on the work plan of the epidemiologists deployed in the Region.

Results: The results of the activities were analyzed on the four strategic lines, using training tools and methodologies to establish intervention plans in the countries visited.

Conclusions: The support of the group of consultants in the high-risk countries made an important contribution to strengthening different components of the national immunization program in each country.