- Ukraine experienced a vaccination crisis from 2008-2010 when public trust in immunization dramatically declined due to misinformation and an adverse event following vaccination. Vaccination coverage dropped by up to 50%.
- UNICEF worked with the Ministry of Health since 2008 to rebuild public confidence in vaccination through strategies like educating medical workers, developing pro-vaccination materials, and building a coalition.
- UNICEF's efforts included awareness campaigns, educating opinion leaders, and developing online resources. Surveys found positive results, with more people supporting vaccination. However, challenges remain due to anti-vaccination groups and political instability.
13. UNICEF actions: impact Negative attitude to immunization in Ukraine: 2008 year 2010 year 32% 22% In Kiev : 2008 year 2010 year 64% 24,5% Market price of the campaign (both immunization and influenza) about 1 mln USD
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17. Campaign outcomes: - over 70% enjoyed the adds - Over 60 % were motivated to change their behaviour (follow the messages) Unexpected outcomes: - outdoor operators printed and placed additional amount on their own $. - got in social media: “Got sick? Tweet from home!” UNICEF actions: general public Influenza
Spring 2008: MR campaign ran into trouble after MoH failed to adequately roll out the campaign, prematurely launching it. Newly vaccinated adolescent boy died and MR vaccine was incorrectly blamed. I nability of MoH effectively articulate convincing arguments for vaccination led to m edia and political firestorm, fed by internet based anti-vaccine forces. Government postponed the campaign and in February 2009 abandoned an attempt to immunise nine million people against measles and rubella A concerted internet led anti-vaccine campaign continues portraying immunisation as more dangerous than the diseases it meant to combat creating a public crisis of trust in the health system. It has also demonized international partners, such as WHO and UNICEF. Summer 2010, GoU disposed MR vaccines costed USD 5 million to international donors. During 2010 immunization coverage dropped up to 40% in some regions due to parents’ refusal and lack of vaccines provision.
Spring 2008: MR campaign ran into trouble after MoH failed to adequately roll out the campaign, prematurely launching it. Newly vaccinated adolescent boy died and MR vaccine was incorrectly blamed. I nability of MoH effectively articulate convincing arguments for vaccination led to m edia and political firestorm, fed by internet based anti-vaccine forces. Government postponed the campaign and in February 2009 abandoned an attempt to immunise nine million people against measles and rubella A concerted internet led anti-vaccine campaign continues portraying immunisation as more dangerous than the diseases it meant to combat creating a public crisis of trust in the health system. It has also demonized international partners, such as WHO and UNICEF. Summer 2010, GoU disposed MR vaccines costed USD 5 million to international donors. During 2010 immunization coverage dropped up to 40% in some regions due to parents’ refusal and lack of vaccines provision.
Vaccination crisis - a time bomb that could happen elsewhere, the following factors constitute it: soviet legacy: UNICEF+ - pervoprohodtsy Distrust of immunisation is widespread among medical workers. media: contradictory information, aggressive coverage parents: choice with no knowledge/ abcense sufficient friendly easy-accessible information - now days there are many parents who are afraid of vaccine safety and who are questioning and are not immunising their children The anti-vaccine movement is strong. capacity of anti-vaccine forces to disrupt public health interventions on a scale not seen before. MoH: lack of capacity; A failing health care system - people’s distrust to public health system doctors: they would not encourage vaccination profit making: re-shaping of market shares among hidden wars of vaccines producers (Russian vs French vs Indian) A highly politicized governmental system.
UNICEF has since 2008 been working closely with the MoH to rebuild public confidence in immunisation. The project has developed key strategies for responding to the anti-immunisation movement: situation assessment (KAPB, stakeholders); equipping medical workers (workshops, forums, materials); building a pro-immunisation coalition; developing an information platform to be followed by a campaign (Internet, IEC materials, video/radio): educating media, religious leaders, civil society activists, other opinion makers
// Evaluation (omnibus, KAP) // scaling up parents’ & general public outreach // promo Internet campaign (CEO, etc) // constantly improving our language & methods of communications to overplay anti-vaccination activists // Good news: we will win, but it is a long row to hoe