IJSRP, Volume 6, Issue 4, April 2016 Edition [ISSN 2250-3153]
Mahafroz Khatib, Rituraj Mohanty, Arun Gowda, Gayathri Balasubramanian
Abstract:
Despite the advances in vaccine development, vaccine preventable diseases still add to the burden of childhood morbidity and mortality across the globe, particularly in developing countries. One of the major barriers preventing the access to sophisticated vaccines is the high vaccine price, the same factor that is preventing their implementation in developing countries with limited resources and funds. So, it is imperative that financial breaches and funding resources for the future are stringently appraised to strengthen immunization programs and expedite financial sustainability. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) presents an inventive and efficient approach by facilitating decision makers with a valid tool to improvise the allocation of limited resources in immunization programs. Hence, in this article we have attempted to address and suggest measures that can be implemented on a collaborative basis to mitigate the financial challenges faced in immunization programs in developing nations. The article also explores the potential and advantages of HTA as a tool for introducing new vaccines as part of immunization programs in developing countries.