Lessons Learned from Measles and Meningitis A Integrated Campaigns in Northern Nigeria

Key Messages

Lessons Learned from Measles and Meningitis A Integrated Campaigns in Northern Nigeria

A Retrospective Study of Lessons Learned From the 2019-2020 Implementation of Measles and Meningitis A Integrated Campaigns in the Context of COVID-19

Summary

Documentation of the collaborative campaign planning process, enabling factors, and limitations of Nigeria’s first integrated vaccination campaign.

Nigeria

Kogi, Niger, and Kwara States

Immunization

Measles, meningitis A, yellow fever

Promising Practices

Clarify roles and responsibilities at national, state and local levels.
Harmonize plans, tools, systems from stand-alone campaigns to support integration.
Involve community leaders and influencers to promote community acceptance of the integrated campaign.
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Key Messages

The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) conducted a retrospective study of the 2019-2020 integrated campaign for measles and meningitis A vaccination in Nigeria’s Kogi, Niger, and Kwara states. The aim of the study was to document the collaborative planning process, identify enabling factors and barriers, and develop transferable guidance for integrated campaigns.

Early advocacy and inclusion of all stakeholders in the pre-planning and planning phases facilitates buy-in, integration of resources, and effective mobilization.
Support from the national government is important during the pre-planning and planning phases of an integrated campaign.
Supply and cold chain infrastructure must accommodate the volume of vaccines needed for integrated campaigns, and planning should address any supply or infrastructure gaps prior to integration.
Technical capacity and any gaps in technical skills should be understood and addressed. This includes capacity and skills related to data management and analysis, tool modifications, and implementation design.
Early forecasting of operational costs and advocacy for fund release are needed to ensure timely incorporation of operational costs into relevant budgets and successful integration.
Collaborative planning benefits from defined roles, transparency, equal and active involvement, and performance appraisal.
Integrated campaigns in the context of COVID-19 must infuse infection prevention and control measures in all phases (e.g., virtual meetings, commodity planning, socially distanced field activities).

Involving community, religious, and traditional leaders, civil society organizations, governments, and partners in planning is critical to the success of integrated campaigns.

Key Messages