Vaccines often play a critical role in preventing deaths and hospitalisation caused by many infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) collaborated on developing and maintaining a national Vaccine Information Management System (VIMS) to guide decision-makers in improving access to immunisation services.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been working closely with the DOH in its vaccination programmes, including assisting in capacity building initiatives. In a workshop held on 2-4 August 2022, participants from the DOH and DICT reviewed the entire COVID-19 VIMS to craft strategic plans for its sustainability and long-term integration with other health services. The workshop was made possible with support from the European Union.
“WHO, with assistance from key partners such as the European Union, continues to support the DOH’s vision to make sustainable improvements to the vaccination program to ensure that life-saving vaccines reach all Filipinos,” said Dr Graham Harrison, Officer-in-Charge, WHO Philippines.
Strengthening the country’s vaccine information system
Reliable, timely information is crucial in making strategic decisions based on data from local government and health authorities. Recording and processing the data on VIMS has allowed the DOH and the Philippine government to monitor vaccination coverage, supply shortage, and track safety issues.
Health care providers can also record all vaccination doses administered within geopolitical areas without the need for an internet or mobile data connection. This means that facilities in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) continue to have access to critical immunisation information.
VIMS may also be used to monitor equitable coverage among vulnerable populations across regions in the country. As a result, LGUs can find high-risk groups and their locations faster.
WHO and the DOH are collaborating on ensuring that tools and policies are in place to sustain long-term vaccination activities, both for COVID-19 and routine immunisation.