Advancing Equitable COVID-19 Vaccination in Humanitarian Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges in achieving equitable distribution and administration of vaccines, particularly in humanitarian crisis settings. Early in the pandemic as the world raced to vaccinate populations, the disparities became glaringly apparent. By April 2022, over 11.4 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses had been administered globally, yet less than 5% of those doses reached populations in humanitarian settings. The poorest and most vulnerable contexts faced the greatest obstacles, exacerbating the already dire situation. According to the Global Humanitarian Overview, there were 296 million people in need (PIN) in 69 countries, with only 31 countries having active Humanitarian Response Plans (HRP). The World Health Organization (WHO), taking the lead in responding to this pressing issue, selected hera to conduct a study on the complexities of COVID-19 vaccine deployment and administration in humanitarian settings, with a specific focus on populations of concern (PoC).
The study was initiated in March 2022 and concluded in March 2023, and encompassed case studies in multiple countries deeply affected by humanitarian crises: Cox's Bazar (Bangladesh), Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Iraq, South Sudan, and Syria. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced and the successes achieved in each unique context, the study delved into the complexities surrounding access to vaccines, distribution and administration. The hera team included Eric Sattin, Eva Capa, Joumana Yeretzian, Leen Jille, Marianne Moussalem, Michèle Kosremelli Asmar. Their combined expertise and dedication aimed to identify the hurdles encountered in deploying and administering COVID-19 vaccines in humanitarian settings and to propose effective strategies to overcome them. Dr. Eba Pasha, the Global Health Cluster COVID-19 Task Team Focal Point at WHO, played a pivotal role in providing inputs and overseeing the assignment to ensure alignment with the project's objectives.
Through its in-depth analysis, the study shed light on various challenges and constraints. Operational and logistics constraints, such as cold chain requirements, limited transport capacity, and availability of healthcare workers, posed significant obstacles. Other barriers, including transport costs, physical distances, and insecurity, hindered access to vaccines for PoC. Constraints on humanitarian actors, access to PoC, bureaucratic and political challenges, and demand-side barriers like vaccine hesitancy further complicated the situation. The study highlighted the need for effective strategies and innovative practices to overcome these challenges and ensure the effective distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in humanitarian settings.
By examining the complexities of vaccine deployment and administration, the study provided invaluable insights, fostering the exchange of best practices and lessons learned. It empowered the global community to advocate for increased support, enabling equitable access to vaccines and essential health services for populations of concern. Moving forward, the findings of this study will continue to inform and guide efforts to overcome barriers to healthcare, ensuring that no one is left behind, even in the most challenging humanitarian contexts.