Acesso equitativo a vacinas: lições aprendidas e perspectivas futuras / Equal access to vaccines: lessons learned and future perspectives

Resumo A vacinação é um componente essencial da atenção primária à saúde e do enfrentamento de emergências em saúde. No entanto, apesar do progresso ocorrido nas últimas décadas, persistem importantes barreiras que resultam na queda de coberturas e disparidades entre os países no acesso a novas vacinas. Neste cenário, a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) lançou, em 2020, a Agenda de Imunização para o decênio 2021-2030 (AI2030). Este artigo tem o objetivo de debater os principais fatores que afetam o acesso às vacinas e as estratégias para promoção da equidade no acesso a elas a nível global e nacional. Tais fatores são multisetoriais e precisam ser considerados em ambos os níveis, destacando-se as barreiras financeiras e geográficas, os desafios de infraestrutura, fatores socioeconômicos e culturais, políticas públicas e governança. O texto aponta a necessidade de remodelação da arquitetura global das cadeias produtivas e dos centros de pesquisa e inovação, criando e/ou fortalecendo as existentes em países de baixa e média renda. Além disso, é necessário estabelecer novos mecanismos e modelos de produção e comercialização de vacinas. As estratégias adotadas para acesso a vacinas e outras tecnologias em saúde estão no centro do debate da agenda de saúde global.

Abstract Vaccination is an essential component of primary health care and coping with health emergencies. However, despite the progress from the last decades, important barriers persist resulting in lower access and disparities between the countries in the access to new vaccines. In this scenario, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched, in 2020, the Immunization Agenda for the 2021-2030 decade (AI2030). This article aims to discuss the main factors that affect access to vaccines and strategies to promote equity in access to them at global and national levels. These factors are multi-sectoral and need to be considered in both levels, with emphasis on financial and geographic barriers, infrastructure challenges, socioeconomic and cultural factors, public policies, and governance. The text points the need to remodel the global architecture of production chains and research and innovation centers, creating and/or strengthening existing ones in low- and middle-income countries. In addition, establishing new mechanisms and models for the production and commercialization of vaccines is necessary. The strategies adopted for accessing vaccines and other health technologies are at the center of the global health agenda debate.

Effect of a conditional cash transfer programme on infant up-to-date and timely vaccination.

BACKGROUND: Conditional cash transfer (CCT) programmes are one of the strategies to increase vaccination coverage among underprivileged families by conditioning cash transfer to the up-to-date immunisation of children. However, there are gaps in knowledge of its impact on vaccination at the recommended age (timely). METHODS: We performed two cross-sectional analyses of secondary data from a retrospective cohort, at the landmark ages of 12 and 24 months, to assess the effect of the Brazilian CCT on the up-to-date and timely vaccination in children born between 2014 and 2016 and resident in the city of Araraquara, São Paulo (Southeast Brazil). The Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to balance two pre-defined groups (beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries) according to the profile of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: From a total of 7386 children within the cohort, 22.2% (1636) were from beneficiary families of the CCT. After the pairing by PSM, the final sample size included in the analyses was 1440 for each group. We found higher up-to-date vaccination coverage, at 12 (92.1%, 95% CI=90.6% to 93.5%) and 24 months (83.8%, 95% CI=81.8% to 85.7%), among the CCT beneficiaries compared with the non-beneficiaries (85.1%, 95% CI=83.2% to 86.9% at 12 months and 73.6%, 95% CI=71.2% to 75.8% at 24 months). The coverage of timely vaccination did not statistically differ between beneficiaries (41.5%, 95% CI=38.9% to 44.1% and 17.4%, 95% CI=15.4% to 19.4%) and non-beneficiaries (40.7%, 95% CI=38.1% to 43.3% and 17.1%, 95% CI=15.2% to 19.1%) at 12 and 24 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study highlights a positive effect of the CCT on vaccination coverage of the up-to-date infant vaccination schedule. However, there was no difference in timely vaccination.

Global Health and Planetary Health: perspectives for a transition to a more sustainable world post COVID-19.

The manuscript discusses interfaces between academic and practical fields of Global Health and Planetary Health, shedding light on some critical perspectives of cumulative and synergistic causes of global crises, and effects on health and food security, on human rights, on migration, and on environment. Concepts of Global Health and Planetary Health and the path for the Sustainable Development Goals -SDG in the context of the Syndemy of Global Crisis, in particular the COVID-19 pandemic, are presented. COVID-19 lessons highlight challenges of infectious diseases and pandemics of the crisis of food insecurity, and of climate emergency. The manuscript advocates for an innovative approach that simultaneously broader awareness of the interconnected problems and of their complex causes and calls for emancipatory knowledge to face urgent challenges for a transdisciplinary research agenda aiming to tackle enormous planetary problems brought by the Anthropocene. It calls for practical solutions, with examples of some nature-based. It highlights the need of a collective reflection on a viable path to promote changes for a more sustainable, equitable, and adaptive future, bridging gaps from Global and Planetary Health.

Global Health and Planetary Health: perspectives for a transition to a more sustainable world post COVID-19 / Saúde Global e Saúde Planetária: perspectivas para uma transição para um mundo mais sustentável pós COVID-19

Abstract The manuscript discusses interfaces between academic and practical fields of Global Health and Planetary Health, shedding light on some critical perspectives of cumulative and synergistic causes of global crises, and effects on health and food security, on human rights, on migration, and on environment. Concepts of Global Health and Planetary Health and the path for the Sustainable Development Goals -SDG in the context of the Syndemy of Global Crisis, in particular the COVID-19 pandemic, are presented. COVID-19 lessons highlight challenges of infectious diseases and pandemics of the crisis of food insecurity, and of climate emergency. The manuscript advocates for an innovative approach that simultaneously broader awareness of the interconnected problems and of their complex causes and calls for emancipatory knowledge to face urgent challenges for a transdisciplinary research agenda aiming to tackle enormous planetary problems brought by the Anthropocene. It calls for practical solutions, with examples of some nature-based. It highlights the need of a collective reflection on a viable path to promote changes for a more sustainable, equitable, and adaptive future, bridging gaps from Global and Planetary Health.

Resumo O manuscrito discute as interfaces entre os campos acadêmico e prático da Saúde Global e da Saúde Planetária, lançando luz sobre algumas perspectivas críticas acerca das causas cumulativas e sinérgicas de crises globais e seus efeitos na saúde e segurança alimentar, nos direitos humanos, na migração e no ambiente. São apresentados os conceitos de Saúde Global e Saúde Planetária, e perspectivas para os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) no contexto de uma sindemia de crises globais, em particular a pandemia de COVID-19, cujas lições lançam luz sobre os desafios relacionados às doenças infecciosas, crise de insegurança alimentar e emergência climática. O manuscrito defende uma abordagem inovadora que, simultaneamente, amplie a consciência dos problemas interligados e de suas complexas causas e fomente o conhecimento emancipatório para enfrentar os desafios urgentes de uma agenda de pesquisa transdisciplinar visando enfrentar os enormes problemas planetários trazidos pelo Antropoceno. Reforça a necessidade de soluções práticas, com exemplos de soluções baseadas na natureza, e de uma reflexão coletiva sobre um caminho viável para promover mudanças para um futuro mais sustentável, equitativo e adaptável, preenchendo as lacunas da Saúde Global e Planetária.

Transmission and prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis in a Brazilian setting under a directly observed therapy short-course strategy.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to estimate the prevalence and transmission of drug-resistant tuberculosis in a high-burden Brazilian setting under directly observed therapy short-course strategy. METHODS: Isolates of culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis patients from Guarulhos, Brazil, diagnosed in October 2007-2011 were subjected to drug susceptibility and IS6110-restriction fragment length polymorphism testing. RESULTS: The overall resistance prevalence was 11.5% and the multi-drug resistance rate was 4.2%. Twenty-six (43.3%) of 60 drug-resistant isolates were clustered. Epidemiological relationships were identified in 11 (42.3%) patients; 30.8% of the cases were transmitted in households. CONCLUSIONS: Drug-resistant tuberculosis was relatively low and transmitted in households and the community.

Transmission and prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis in a Brazilian setting under a directly observed therapy short-course strategy

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We aimed to estimate the prevalence and transmission of drug-resistant tuberculosis in a high-burden Brazilian setting under directly observed therapy short-course strategy. METHODS: Isolates of culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis patients from Guarulhos, Brazil, diagnosed in October 2007-2011 were subjected to drug susceptibility and IS6110-restriction fragment length polymorphism testing. RESULTS: The overall resistance prevalence was 11.5% and the multi-drug resistance rate was 4.2%. Twenty-six (43.3%) of 60 drug-resistant isolates were clustered. Epidemiological relationships were identified in 11 (42.3%) patients; 30.8% of the cases were transmitted in households. CONCLUSIONS: Drug-resistant tuberculosis was relatively low and transmitted in households and the community.

[Assessment of vaccination coverage of children in a medium-sized Brazilian city using electronic immunization registry]. / Avaliação de coberturas vacinais de crianças em uma cidade de médio porte (Brasil) utilizando registro informatizado de imunização.

Administrative data show high vaccination coverage rates in Brazil, but there is no assessment of the validity and timeliness of dose administration, or whether the vaccination schedule is complete. This study assessed timely and updated coverage rates in children 12 to 24 months of age. This was a longitudinal population-based study in Araraquara, São Paulo State, a predominantly urban medium-sized municipality, using the Juarez System, an electronic immunization registry (EIR). Coverage rates were assessed in 49,741 children born from 1998 to 2013, a period in which five different vaccination schedules were used. Trends were estimated with the Prais-Winsten linear regression method. Updated coverage of the complete schedule varied from 79.5% to 91.3% at 12 months and from 75.8% to 86.9%, at 24 months. Timely coverage (all doses applied at the recommended ages, with no delays) ranged from 53.3% to 74% at 12 months and from 36.7% to 53.8% at 24 months. There was an upward trend in updated coverage at 24 months. The delays in relation to recommended age increased starting at six months and appeared to relate more to age than to the number of doses in the schedule. The proportion of invalid and late doses was lower than in other studies. Despite the increase in the number of doses in the vaccination schedule, the study showed high updated coverage rates and higher timely coverage than reported in the national and international literature; however, more effort is needed to increase timeliness. EIR proved relevant for assessing and monitoring vaccination coverage with more accurate analyses.

Dados administrativos mostram altas coberturas vacinais no Brasil, porém não há avaliação da validade e oportunidade de aplicação das doses, nem se o esquema vacinal está completo. Este estudo avaliou as coberturas oportunas e atualizadas de crianças de 12 a 24 meses de idade. Estudo longitudinal de base populacional em Araraquara, São Paulo, uma cidade de médio porte predominantemente urbana, utilizando dados do Sistema Juarez, um registro informatizado de imunização (RII). As coberturas foram avaliadas para 49.741 crianças nascidas entre 1998 e 2013, período com cinco calendários de vacinação diferentes. As tendências foram estimadas pelo método de regressão linear Prais-Winsten. A cobertura atualizada do esquema completo variou entre 79,5% e 91,3%, aos 12 meses, e entre 75,8% e 86,9%, aos 24 meses. A cobertura oportuna (todas as doses aplicadas na idade recomendada, sem atraso) variou entre 53,3% e 74%, aos 12 meses, e entre 36,7% e 53,8%, aos 24 meses. Houve tendência crescente para a cobertura atualizada aos 24 meses. Os atrasos em relação à idade recomendada se acentuam em doses a partir dos seis meses e parecem estar mais relacionados à idade do que ao número de doses do esquema. A proporção de doses inválidas e atrasadas foi menor do que em outros estudos. Apesar do aumento do número de doses no calendário vacinal, foram alcançadas altas coberturas atualizadas e coberturas oportunas maiores do que as encontradas na literatura nacional e internacional, porém são necessários mais esforços para o aumento da oportunidade. O RII mostrou-se relevante para avaliação e monitoramento de coberturas vacinais, com análises mais acuradas.

Los datos administrativos muestran altas coberturas de vacunación en Brasil, sin embargo, no existe una evaluación de la validez y oportunidad de aplicación de las dosis, ni si la cartilla de vacunación ha sido completada. Este estudio evalúo las coberturas necesarias y actualizadas en niños de 12 a 24 meses de edad. Se trata de un estudio longitudinal con base poblacional en Araraquara, São Paulo, una ciudad media, predominantemente urbana, utilizando datos del Sistema Juarez, un registro informatizado de inmunización (RII). Las coberturas se evaluaron en 49.741 niños, nacidos entre 1998 y 2013, durante un período con cinco calendarios de vacunación diferentes. Las tendencias se estimaron mediante el método de regresión lineal Prais-Winsten. La cobertura actualizada del esquema completo varió entre 79,5% y 91,3%, a los 12 meses, y entre 75,8% y 86,9%, a los 24 meses. La cobertura necesaria (todas las dosis aplicadas a la edad recomendada, sin atrasos) varió entre 53,3% y 74%, a los 12 meses, y entre 36,7% y 53,8% a los 24 meses. Hubo una tendencia creciente en la cobertura actualizada a los 24 meses. Los atrasos, en relación con la edad recomendada, se acentúan en dosis a partir de los seis meses y parecen estar más relacionados con la edad que con el número de dosis del esquema. La proporción de dosis inválidas y atrasadas fue menor que en otros estudios. A pesar del aumento del número de dosis en el calendario de vacunas, se alcanzaron altas coberturas actualizadas y coberturas oportunas mayores que las encontradas en la literatura nacional e internacional, sin embargo, se necesitan más esfuerzos para el aumento de la oportunidad. El RII se mostró relevante en la evaluación y supervisión de coberturas de vacunación con análisis más exactos.

Avaliação de coberturas vacinais de crianças em uma cidade de médio porte (Brasil) utilizando registro informatizado de imunização / Assessment of vaccination coverage of children in a medium-sized Brazilian city using electronic immunization registry / Evaluación de las coberturas de vacunación en niños de una ciudad media (Brasil), utilizando el registro informatizado de inmunización

Dados administrativos mostram altas coberturas vacinais no Brasil, porém não há avaliação da validade e oportunidade de aplicação das doses, nem se o esquema vacinal está completo. Este estudo avaliou as coberturas oportunas e atualizadas de crianças de 12 a 24 meses de idade. Estudo longitudinal de base populacional em Araraquara, São Paulo, uma cidade de médio porte predominantemente urbana, utilizando dados do Sistema Juarez, um registro informatizado de imunização (RII). As coberturas foram avaliadas para 49.741 crianças nascidas entre 1998 e 2013, período com cinco calendários de vacinação diferentes. As tendências foram estimadas pelo método de regressão linear Prais-Winsten. A cobertura atualizada do esquema completo variou entre 79,5% e 91,3%, aos 12 meses, e entre 75,8% e 86,9%, aos 24 meses. A cobertura oportuna (todas as doses aplicadas na idade recomendada, sem atraso) variou entre 53,3% e 74%, aos 12 meses, e entre 36,7% e 53,8%, aos 24 meses. Houve tendência crescente para a cobertura atualizada aos 24 meses. Os atrasos em relação à idade recomendada se acentuam em doses a partir dos seis meses e parecem estar mais relacionados à idade do que ao número de doses do esquema. A proporção de doses inválidas e atrasadas foi menor do que em outros estudos. Apesar do aumento do número de doses no calendário vacinal, foram alcançadas altas coberturas atualizadas e coberturas oportunas maiores do que as encontradas na literatura nacional e internacional, porém são necessários mais esforços para o aumento da oportunidade. O RII mostrou-se relevante para avaliação e monitoramento de coberturas vacinais, com análises mais acuradas.

Administrative data show high vaccination coverage rates in Brazil, but there is no assessment of the validity and timeliness of dose administration, or whether the vaccination schedule is complete. This study assessed timely and updated coverage rates in children 12 to 24 months of age. This was a longitudinal population-based study in Araraquara, São Paulo State, a predominantly urban medium-sized municipality, using the Juarez System, an electronic immunization registry (EIR). Coverage rates were assessed in 49,741 children born from 1998 to 2013, a period in which five different vaccination schedules were used. Trends were estimated with the Prais-Winsten linear regression method. Updated coverage of the complete schedule varied from 79.5% to 91.3% at 12 months and from 75.8% to 86.9%, at 24 months. Timely coverage (all doses applied at the recommended ages, with no delays) ranged from 53.3% to 74% at 12 months and from 36.7% to 53.8% at 24 months. There was an upward trend in updated coverage at 24 months. The delays in relation to recommended age increased starting at six months and appeared to relate more to age than to the number of doses in the schedule. The proportion of invalid and late doses was lower than in other studies. Despite the increase in the number of doses in the vaccination schedule, the study showed high updated coverage rates and higher timely coverage than reported in the national and international literature; however, more effort is needed to increase timeliness. EIR proved relevant for assessing and monitoring vaccination coverage with more accurate analyses.

Los datos administrativos muestran altas coberturas de vacunación en Brasil, sin embargo, no existe una evaluación de la validez y oportunidad de aplicación de las dosis, ni si la cartilla de vacunación ha sido completada. Este estudio evalúo las coberturas necesarias y actualizadas en niños de 12 a 24 meses de edad. Se trata de un estudio longitudinal con base poblacional en Araraquara, São Paulo, una ciudad media, predominantemente urbana, utilizando datos del Sistema Juarez, un registro informatizado de inmunización (RII). Las coberturas se evaluaron en 49.741 niños, nacidos entre 1998 y 2013, durante un período con cinco calendarios de vacunación diferentes. Las tendencias se estimaron mediante el método de regresión lineal Prais-Winsten. La cobertura actualizada del esquema completo varió entre 79,5% y 91,3%, a los 12 meses, y entre 75,8% y 86,9%, a los 24 meses. La cobertura necesaria (todas las dosis aplicadas a la edad recomendada, sin atrasos) varió entre 53,3% y 74%, a los 12 meses, y entre 36,7% y 53,8% a los 24 meses. Hubo una tendencia creciente en la cobertura actualizada a los 24 meses. Los atrasos, en relación con la edad recomendada, se acentúan en dosis a partir de los seis meses y parecen estar más relacionados con la edad que con el número de dosis del esquema. La proporción de dosis inválidas y atrasadas fue menor que en otros estudios. A pesar del aumento del número de dosis en el calendario de vacunas, se alcanzaron altas coberturas actualizadas y coberturas oportunas mayores que las encontradas en la literatura nacional e internacional, sin embargo, se necesitan más esfuerzos para el aumento de la oportunidad. El RII se mostró relevante en la evaluación y supervisión de coberturas de vacunación con análisis más exactos.

Migration to middle-income countries and tuberculosis-global policies for global economies.

BACKGROUND: International migration to middle-income countries is increasing and its health consequences, in particular increasing transmission rates of tuberculosis (TB), deserve consideration. Migration and TB are a matter of concern in high-income countries and targeted screening of migrants for active and latent TB infection is a main strategy to manage risk and minimize transmission. In this paper, we discuss some aspects of TB control and migration in the context of middle-income countries, together with the prospect of responding with equitable and comprehensive policies. MAIN BODY: TB rates in middle-income countries remain disproportionally high among the poorest and most vulnerable groups in large cities where most migrant populations are concentrated. Policies that tackle migrant TB in high-income countries may be inadequate for middle-income countries because of their different socio-economic and cultural scenarios. Strategies to control TB in these settings must take into account the characteristics of middle-income countries and the complexity of TB as a disease of poverty. Intersectoral policies of social protection such as cash-transfer programs help reducing poverty and improving health in vulnerable populations. We address the development of new approaches to improve well-established strategies including contact tracing and active and latent TB screening as an 'add on' to the existing health care guidelines of conditional cash transfer programs. In addition, we discuss how it might improve health and welfare among both poor migrants and locally-born populations. Authorities from middle-income countries should recognise that migrants are a vulnerable social group and promote cooperation efforts between sending and receiving countries for mitigation of poverty and prevention of disease in this group. CONCLUSIONS: Middle-income countries have long sent migrants overseas. However, the influx of large migrant populations into their societies is relatively new and a growing phenomenon and it is time to set comprehensive goals to improve health among these communities. Conditional cash transfer policies with TB screening and strengthening of DOTS are some strategies that deserve attention. Reduction of social and health inequality among migrants should be incorporated into concerted actions to meet TB control targets.

Factors associated with incomplete or delayed vaccination across countries: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Despite the significant decline in the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases as a result of increased vaccination coverage worldwide, there are many children with delayed vaccination and a marked heterogeneity in vaccination coverage. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to review factors that influence the adherence to childhood immunization schedule in different countries, especially related to socioeconomic conditions and health care system characteristics. METHODS: Pubmed and Web of Science databases were searched systematically for observational studies published in peer-reviewed journals in English, Spanish and Portuguese languages from January 1992 to June 2014. We included original articles that assessed vaccination schedule with at least three diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, three polio and one measles vaccines in children aged 0-24 months. RESULTS: 491 articles were identified and 23 met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The most cited factors reported by countries with distinct characteristics were higher birth order (9 articles, 39.1%), and low maternal education/socioeconomic status (7 articles each one, 30.4%). Irregular monitoring by the health care services was reported by countries with "mainly private" health care system. Out-of-hospital birth, no reminder(s) about the next follow-up visit, and mother working outside the home were cited by countries with low/medium Human Development Index (HDI). Ethnicity, use of private health care services, and no health insurance were cited by countries with very high HDI. The role of migration on vaccination coverage was reported by three studies conducted in countries with distinct characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The factors are complex and driven by context. Overall, strengthening the contacts and relationships between the health care services and mothers with several children and families with low educational level/low socioeconomic status appear to be an important action to improve vaccination coverage.

Antiretroviral treatment adherence in childhood and adolescence: multidisciplinary team as an associated factor in Brazil.

Our aim was to analyze factors associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) treatment among children and adolescents. A cross-sectional study was carried out involving non-institutionalized children and adolescents between 2 and 20 years of age, addressing non-adherence to ARV treatment, which was defined as taking ≤89% of the medications on the day of the interview and the three previous days. The investigation into the association between non-compliance and the variables of interest was performed using unconditional logistic regression. The independent factors associated with non-adherence were forgetfulness (OR = 3.22; 95%CI = 1.75-5.92), difficulties coping with treatment (OR = 2.65; 95%CI = 1.03-6.79), and living with grandparents (OR = 2.28; 95%CI = 1.08-4.83), whereas a protective effect was found with participation in multidisciplinary activities (OR = 0.49; 95%CI = 0.25-0.96), i.e., this factor indicates that the exposure to the variable is beneficial, promoting adherence. We concluded that forgetting to take the medications and reporting having difficulty coping with ARV treatment are potentially modifiable factors through educational and programmatic actions. Residing with one's grandparents may strongly impact adherence to ARV treatment, indicating the need for the systematic support of these family members. Participation in multidisciplinary activities should be stimulated at health-care services.

Analyses of cataract surgery performed by the Unified Health System in Brazil, 2006-2007.

OBJECTIVE: Estimate cataract surgical rates (CSR) for Brazil and each federal unit in 2006 and 2007 based on the number of surgeries performed by the Unified Health System to help plan a comprehensive ophthalmology network in order to eliminate cataract blindness in compliance with the target set by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 3,000 cataract surgeries per million inhabitants per year. METHODS: This descriptive study calculates CSR by using the number of cataract surgeries carried out by the Brazilian Unified Health System for each federal unit and estimates the need for cataract surgery in Brazil for 2006-2007, with official population data provided by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The number of cataract surgeries was compared with the WHO target. RESULTS: To reach the WHO goal for eliminating age-related cataract blindness in Brazil, 560,312 cataract surgeries in 2006 and 568,006 surgeries in 2007 needed to be done. In 2006, 179,121 cataract surgeries were done by the Unified Health System, corresponding to a CSR of 959 per million population; in 2007, 223,317 were performed, with a CSR of 1,179. With the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology estimation of 165,000 surgeries each year by the non-public services, the CSR for Brazil would be 1,842 for 2006 and 2,051 for 2007. The proportions needed to achieve the proposed target were 38.6% in 2006 and 31.6% in 2007. CONCLUSIONS: Human resources, technical expertise, and equipment are crucial to reach the WHO goal. Brazil has enough ophthalmologists but needs improved planning and infrastructure in order to eliminate the problem, aspects that require greater financial investment and stronger political commitment.

Analyses of cataract surgery performed by the Unified Health System in Brazil, 2006-2007 / Análisis de las intervenciones quirúrgicas de cataratas efectuadas en el Sistema Único de Salud del Brasil en el 2006 y el 2007

OBJECTIVE: Estimate cataract surgical rates (CSR) for Brazil and each federal unit in 2006 and 2007 based on the number of surgeries performed by the Unified Health System to help plan a comprehensive ophthalmology network in order to eliminate cataract blindness in compliance with the target set by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 3 000 cataract surgeries per million inhabitants per year. METHODS: This descriptive study calculates CSR by using the number of cataract surgeries carried out by the Brazilian Unified Health System for each federal unit and estimates the need for cataract surgery in Brazil for 2006-2007, with official population data provided by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The number of cataract surgeries was compared with the WHO target. RESULTS: To reach the WHO goal for eliminating age-related cataract blindness in Brazil, 560312 cataract surgeries in 2006 and 568 006 surgeries in 2007 needed to be done. In 2006, 179121 cataract surgeries were done by the Unified Health System, corresponding to a CSR of 959 per million population; in 2007, 223317 were performed, with a CSR of 1179. With the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology estimation of 165 000 surgeries each year by the non-public services, the CSR for Brazil would be 1842 for 2006 and 2051 for 2007. The proportions needed to achieve the proposed target were 38.6 percent in 2006 and 31.6 percent in 2007. CONCLUSIONS: Human resources, technical expertise, and equipment are crucial to reach the WHO goal. Brazil has enough ophthalmologists but needs improved planning and infrastructure in order to eliminate the problem, aspects that require greater financial investment and stronger political commitment.

OBJETIVO: Calcular las tasas de cirugía de cataratas (TCC) correspondientes al 2006 y el 2007 en todo el Brasil y en cada estado según la cantidad de intervenciones efectuadas en el Sistema Único de Salud, con el objeto de planificar una red integral de atención oftalmológica tendiente a eliminar la ceguera por cataratas, en cumplimiento de la meta fijada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), de 3 000 intervenciones quirúrgicas de cataratas por millón de habitantes por año. MÉTODOS: En este estudio descriptivo se calculó la TCC según la cantidad de intervenciones quirúrgicas de cataratas llevadas a cabo en el Sistema Único de Salud del Brasil en cada estado, y se calculó la necesidad de intervenciones quirúrgicas de cataratas en el Brasil en el 2006 y el 2007 según los datos oficiales de la población proporcionados por el Instituto Brasileño de Geografía y Estadística. Se comparó la cantidad de intervenciones quirúrgicas de cataratas con la meta de la OMS. RESULTADOS: Para alcanzar la meta de la OMS de eliminar la ceguera producida por cataratas seniles en el Brasil, deberían haberse efectuado 560 312 intervenciones quirúrgicas de cataratas en el 2006, y 568006 en el 2007. En el 2006, se efectuaron 179 121 intervenciones quirúrgicas de cataratas en el Sistema Único de Salud, lo que representa una TCC de 959 por millón de habitantes; en el 2007, se realizaron 223317, con una TCC de 1179. Si estos datos se consideran junto con la estimación del Consejo Brasileño de Oftalmología de 165000 intervenciones quirúrgicas efectuadas cada año en los servicios no públicos, la TCC correspondiente al Brasil sería de 1842 para el 2006 y de 2 051 para el 2007. Las proporciones faltantes para lograr la meta propuesta fueron de 38,6 por ciento en el 2006 y de 31,6 por ciento en el 2007. CONCLUSIONES: Los recursos humanos, los conocimientos técnicos especializados y el equipo son esenciales para alcanzar la meta de la OMS. Brasil tiene suficientes oftalmólogos pero, para eliminar el problema, necesita una mejor planificación y más infraestructura, aspectos que requieren una mayor inversión financiera y un compromiso político más firme.

Vaccination coverage among children under two years of age based on electronic immunization registry in Southern Brazil / Cobertura vacinal em menores de dois anos a partir de registro informatizado de imunização em Curitiba, PR

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o programa de imunização de crianças de 12 e de 24 meses de idade, com base no registro informatizado de imunização. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo em amostra probabilística de 2.637 crianças nascidas em 2002 e residentes em Curitiba, PR. As fontes de dados foram: registro informatizado de imunização do município, Sistema de Informação de Nascidos Vivos e inquérito domiciliar para casos com registro incompleto. As coberturas foram estimadas aos 12 e aos 24 meses de vida e analisadas segundo características socioeconômicas de cada distrito sanitário e o vínculo das crianças aos serviços de saúde. Foram analisadas a abrangência, completude e duplicidades do registro informatizado de imunização. RESULTADOS: A cobertura do esquema de imunização foi de 95,3 por cento aos 12 meses sem diferenças entre os distritos e de 90,3 por cento aos 24 meses, tendo sido mais elevada em um distrito com piores indicadores socioeconômicos (p = 0,01). A proporção de vacinas, segundo o tipo, aplicadas antes e após a idade recomendada foi de até 0,9 por cento e até 32,2 por cento, respectivamente. A cobertura do registro informatizado de imunização foi de 98 por cento na amostra estudada, o sub-registro de doses de vacinas foi de 11 por cento e a duplicidade de registro foi de 20,6 por cento. Os grupos que apresentaram maiores coberturas foram: crianças com cadastro definitivo, aquelas com três ou mais consultas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde e as atendidas em Unidades Básicas de Saúde que adotam plenamente a Estratégia de Saúde da Família. CONCLUSÕES: A cobertura vacinal em Curitiba mostrou-se elevada e homogênea entre os distritos, e o vínculo com os serviços de saúde foi fator importante para tais resultados. O registro informatizado de imunização mostrou-se útil no monitoramento da cobertura vacinal; no entanto, é importante a prévia avaliação do seu custo-efetividade para que seja amplamente utilizado pelo Programa Nacional de Imunização.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immunization program for 12 and 24-month-old children based on electronic immunization registry. METHODS: A descriptive study of a random sample of 2,637 children born in 2002 living in the city of Curitiba, Southern Brazil was performed. Data was collected from local electronic immunization registers and the National Live Birth Information System, as well as from a household survey for cases with incomplete records. Coverage at 12 and 24 months was estimated and analyzed according to the socioeconomic characteristics of each administrative district and the child's enrollment status in the health care service. The coverage, completeness, and record duplication in the registry were analyzed. RESULTS: Coverage of immunization was 95.3% at 12 months, with no disparities among administrative districts, and 90.3% at 24 months, with higher coverage in a district with lower socioeconomic conditions (p < 0.01). The proportion of vaccines, according to type, given before and after the recommended age reached 0.9% and 32.2%, respectively. In the surveyed sample, electronic immunization registry coverage was 98%, underreporting of vaccine doses was 11%, and record duplication was 20.6%. Groups with highest coverage included children with permanent records, children with three or more appointments through the National Unified Health Care System, and children seen within Primary Health Care Facilities fully adopting the Family Health Strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination coverage in Curitiba was high and homogeneous among districts, and health service enrollment status was an important factor in these results. The electronic immunization registry was a useful tool for monitoring vaccine coverage; however, it will be important to determine cost-effectiveness prior to wide-scale adoption by the National Immunization Program.

Vaccination coverage among children under two years of age based on electronic immunization registry in Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immunization program for 12 and 24-month-old children based on electronic immunization registry. METHODS: A descriptive study of a random sample of 2,637 children born in 2002 living in the city of Curitiba, Southern Brazil was performed. Data was collected from local electronic immunization registers and the National Live Birth Information System, as well as from a household survey for cases with incomplete records. Coverage at 12 and 24 months was estimated and analyzed according to the socioeconomic characteristics of each administrative district and the child's enrollment status in the health care service. The coverage, completeness, and record duplication in the registry were analyzed. RESULTS: Coverage of immunization was 95.3% at 12 months, with no disparities among administrative districts, and 90.3% at 24 months, with higher coverage in a district with lower socioeconomic conditions (p < 0.01). The proportion of vaccines, according to type, given before and after the recommended age reached 0.9% and 32.2%, respectively. In the surveyed sample, electronic immunization registry coverage was 98%, underreporting of vaccine doses was 11%, and record duplication was 20.6%. Groups with highest coverage included children with permanent records, children with three or more appointments through the National Unified Health Care System, and children seen within Primary Health Care Facilities fully adopting the Family Health Strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination coverage in Curitiba was high and homogeneous among districts, and health service enrollment status was an important factor in these results. The electronic immunization registry was a useful tool for monitoring vaccine coverage; however, it will be important to determine cost-effectiveness prior to wide-scale adoption by the National Immunization Program.

Sistemas informatizados de registro de imunização: uma revisão com enfoque na saúde infantil: [revisão] / Immunization computerized database system: a revision with approach in child health: [revisão]

São apresentadas diferentes experiências e metodologias empregadas por registros informatizados de imunização (RII), no enfoque da saúde infantil. O levantamento bibliográfico abrangeu publicações de 1990 a 2006, existentes nas bases MEDLINE, SciELO, PubMed e EMBASE. Outros sítios eletrônicos de organizações nacionais e internacionais de saúde foram pesquisados. Em virtude da ausência de publicações sobre RII no Brasil, as fontes de informação foram a Coordenação Nacional e as Coordenações Estaduais do Programa Nacional de Imunizações, além do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde. Selecionaram-se apenas artigos que abordam RII em saúde infantil. Foram localizados 109 artigos publicados em 35 revistas especializadas. São apresentados aspectos históricos e conceituais, objetivos, funções, relevância e indicadores de desempenho e de custo-efetividade, além das próprias limitações dos RII, assim como experiências em países selecionados, inclusive no Brasil. Os RII integrados a outros sistemas de informação vêm sendo aplicados como importante instrumento para a identificação de populações com menor acesso ou adesão aos programas de vacinação e em sistemas de vigilância ativa de eventos adversos pós-vacina.

Different experiences and methodologies used for immunization computerized database (ICD) with focus in child health were presented. Bibliographical survey from 1990 to 2006 was undertaken, using as sources MEDLINE, SciELO, PubMed and EMBASE databases. Other sites of national and international organizations of health had also been searched. As have no publications on ICD in Brazil, survey of these registers was carried through, taking as source the national and State Coordinations of the National Program of Immunizations and the Department of Computer Science of the National System of Health. Only articles with focus on child health were selected: 109 publications in 35 specialized journals were localized. Historical and conceptual aspects, objective, functions, relevance, performance and costeffectiveness indicators, and own limitations of the ICD are presented, as well as experiences in selected countries, including Brazil. The ICD integrated to other information systems is being applied as important instrument for the identification of populations with lower access or adherence to the vaccination programs and in active surveillance of adverse effects post-vaccination.

Effectiveness of influenza vaccination and its impact on health inequalities.

BACKGROUND: Since 1998, annual publicly funded campaigns for mass vaccination against influenza of the population aged 65 years or older have been performed in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The effectiveness of the intervention was not assessed for its contribution to the reduction of influenza-attributable mortality. This study sought to compare the age-specific mortality (65 years or older) before and after the onset of yearly vaccination, and to assess the impact of the intervention on health inequalities in relation to inner-city areas. METHODS: Official information on deaths and population allowed assessment of overall pneumonia and influenza mortality. Monitoring of outbreaks and the estimation of mortality attributable to influenza peaks used Serfling and ARIMA models. Rates were compared between 1998 and 2002, when vaccination coverage ranked higher than 60% among individuals aged 65 years or older, and 1993-97 (prior to vaccination). RESULTS: Overall mortality due to pneumonia and influenza fell by 26.3% after vaccination. An even higher reduction was observed for mortality specifically attributable to influenza epidemics; the number of peaks of influenza mortality also decreased. Deprived areas of the city had a higher decrease of mortality by pneumonia and influenza during the vaccination period. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccination contributed to reduce influenza-attributable mortality in this age group, and was associated with the reduction of inequalities in the burden of the disease among social groups. The concurrent promotion of health and social justice is feasible when there is political will and commitment to implement public health interventions with prompt and effective universal access.