Vaccine X
Twinning between national immunization technical advisory groups: an innovative approach to strengthening evidence-informed immunization policy in the Americas
By N. Jennifer Sanwogou, Tracy Evans-Gilbert, Greta Muñoz Lopez and 7 others.
Abstract
Background
National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) play a key role in evidence-informed immunization policy. To strengthen their capacity, a regional twinning initiative was introduced in the Americas to promote peer-to-peer collaboration.
Methods
A descriptive mixed-methods evaluation was conducted of the NITAG twinning initiative implemented through the Regional NITAG Network of the Americas (RNA) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)-led Evidence-informed Vaccine and Immunization Decision-making and Appraisal in the Americas (EVIDA) Initiative. Informed by the World Health Organization (WHO) Guidance on NITAG Twinning, which outlined principles for twinning and criteria for pairing NITAGs. Data sources included a 2023 Twinning Interest Survey, 2023 NITAG Maturity Assessment Tool (NMAT) assessment, and a 2024 Progress-Review Survey of twinning partnerships. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic synthesis.
