WEBPAGE FOR VACCINATION CARDS

Saturday, 14th of July 2012

READER FEEDBACK

From David Brown, UNICEF HQ:

‘You might find the following of interest.

First, a website, located at https://sites.google.com/site/immunizationcardrepository/, has been created to facilitate the free and open exchange of information related to national immunization card content and design. At present, immunization or child health cards from 58 countries are displayed. We have asked WHO and UNICEF Regional Immunization Advisors to assist in improving the number of countries with cards represented is greatly appreciated.

I am hopeful to follow this repository with one that is focused on the free and open exchange of information on tally sheets and registers.

Second, we recently reviewed target population data collected from the WHO and UNICEF Joint Reporting Form. A working paper highlighting patterns in these target population data can be accessed at https://sites.google.com/site/infantmortalityrate/. In this exercise we observed numerous instances where the target population data submitted on the JRF and implied infant mortality rates computed from these data was widely inconsistent (by more than 25 percentage points) with infant mortality estimates maintained by the UN Interagency Group on Child Mortality Estimation and the UN Population Division. This is not to say that the IGME or UNPD estimates are in fact any more or less correct than what the national authorities may estimate; however, the time-series maintained by IGME and UNPD are consistent which is not always the case in many countries.

As part of the annual JRF exercise, we notice when national EPI authorities do not review their time series data when completing the JRF. Implausible data, irregular patterns and errors often become apparent. Thus, we have encouraged our colleagues in the country offices to assist the national authorities in such an exercise.

Following the recent censuses that were completed around 2010, we are beginning to see some in national EPI programmes reach out to their colleagues in the national statistics office and request a review and update of target population estimates. This is fantastic and we encourage this interaction as in many countries such dialogue between agencies does not exist. We are looking for examples where EPI and the national statistics office are working closely together following a recent census to review and revise target population estimates as we are keen to learn and share these experiences with others that may benefit.

Let me know if there are any questions.

All the best,

David’

David BROWN, DSc, MScPH, MSc

United Nations Children’s Fund, Three UN Plaza, New York, New York, USA 10017

P: +1.212.303.79.88

E: dbrown@unicef.org