By tackling logistical and infrastructural challenges, tech innovations pave the way for more equitable access to life-securing vaccines
The landscape of immunisation, especially for infants or very young children in the Global South, is undergoing an evolutionary phase, strengthened by the technological innovation happening around the globe. The advancements are pivotal in addressing the distinctive challenges faced by evolving regions such as India and Africa, where logistical hurdles, accessibility issues and a lack of healthcare infrastructure have obstructed vaccination efforts. Globally, vaccine waste is another serious concern.
According to a study by the World Health Organisation (WHO), 50% of all manufactured vaccines are wasted, and there are 14.3 million children across the world who are zero-dose children, those who have not received any vaccination. In addition to this, 6.2 million children are partially vaccinated, and almost 60% of these children come from countries in the developing world, especially India and African nations.
This article talks about the recent technological advancements that are making a significant impact on immunisation strategies for infants and young children in the developing world, emphasising the role of mobile health solutions, data analytics, and novel vaccine delivery systems.
Vaccine Accessibility
One of the most promising areas of innovation in vaccination for the Global South has been in developing new and effective vaccine delivery technologies. Traditional vaccination methods that people have been using for years require refrigeration, multiple doses and trained healthcare officials to administer, which are often identified as major challenges in remote or resource-limited settings. In order to overcome these obstacles, researchers and developers have introduced various solutions.
In India, the development of thermostable vaccines represents a significant advancement. These vaccines can withstand higher temperatures without losing efficacy, hence eliminating the need for refrigeration- a significant barrier in many parts of rural India. This technology not only increases the shelf life but also ensures its guarded delivery to remote locations without the extensive cold chain infrastructure traditionally required.
This development is being supplemented by improving the last mile cold chain, which has been a major gap historically in limited resource settings. Advanced vaccine storage and transportation devices are now entering the market to ensure that the vaccines reach the immunisation sites in a safe, temperature controlled and traceable manner.
Moreover, the execution of microneedle patches for vaccine administration is a notable development, offering a needle- free, less invasive method that can be self-administered. This approach not only eases the burden on healthcare workers but also develops acceptability among masses with needle phobia, thereby improving vaccination rates.
Leveraging Data Analytics and Mobile Health (mHealth) Platforms
Data analytics and mobile health platforms have emerged as powerful tools for smoothing vaccination campaigns in the Global South. These technologies allow real-time monitoring of vaccine stocks, predict outbreaks and identify the population that is under-vaccinated, enabling targeted interventions.
In Africa, mobile health platforms are revolutionising the way vaccination data is collected and analysed. They use SMS based technology and GPS to track vaccine stocks and coverage rates in real time, that prevents stockouts and ensures timely replenishment of supplies. One example is Kenya’s ‘Vaccine e-Management Systems (VeMS), which helps monitor stock levels and distribute vaccines efficiently, ensuring every child gets vaccinated.
Similarly, India has introduced the Digital Immunisation Registry as part of Digital India Initiative. It tracks vaccination schedules and coverage using unique IDs for every single child, linking them with their vaccination records and sending reminders to parents’ mobile for upcoming vaccine doses, improving vaccination rates in underserved settings.
Looking ahead, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in vaccination programmes can bring about essential improvements. Predictive modelling with AI can help find areas where diseases are most likely to spread, enabling more proactive and targeted vaccine campaigns. Also, blockchain can provide a secure and transparent method to track vaccines, ensuring data security and building public trust in vaccination initiatives.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Directions
The success of tech innovations in boosting vaccination rates amongst infants and young children in the Global South is attributed to the collaborative efforts between Governments, Non-Profit Organisations and private sector partners. For example, GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, has played a key role by funding new vaccines and technology solutions in low-income countries like India and Africa. Looking forward, continued development and deployment of tech innovations in this space promises to reshape paediatric healthcare in developing nations.
Conclusion
The integration of tech innovations in the vaccination space presents a beacon of hope for better health outcomes for every young child in the developing world. By tackling logistical and infrastructural challenges, these innovations pave the way for more equitable access to life-securing vaccines. As we push forward with these technologies, the ambition of universal immunisation gets closer to a future where all kids can grow without vaccine-preventable diseases.
(Ankita Mittal is CEO of Enhanced Innovations)