A Systems-Based Framework for Immunisation System Design: Six Loops, Three Flows, Two Paradigms

Abstract

Despite massive progress in vaccine coverage globally, the region of sub-Saharan Africa is lagging behind for Sustainable Development Goal 3 by 2030. Sub-national under-immunisation is part of the problem. In order to reverse the current immunisation system’s (IMS) underperformance, a conceptual model is proposed that captures the complexity of IMSs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and offers directions for sustainable redesign. The IMS model was constructed based on literature and stakeholder interaction in Rwanda and Kenya. The model assembles the paradigms of planned and emergency immunisation in one system and emphasises the synchronised flows of vaccinee, vaccinator and vaccine. Six feedback loops capture the main mechanisms governing the system. Sustainability and resilience are assessed based on loop dominance and dependency on exogenous factors. The diagram invites stakeholders to share their mental models and. The framework provides a systems approach for problem structuring and policy design.