First Field Test of the Novel Integration Mapping Tool for COVID-19 Vaccination Integration into National Immunization Programs and Primary Healthcare - A Case Study from Cote d'Ivoire
Authors: Amani Adidja , Ekra Kouadio Daniel , Brou Gbotto , Yao Kossia , Aka Lépri Nicaise , Kouakou Epa , Kouadio Sie Kabran , Gahongano Gervais , Gadiry Fadiga Abdoul , Aziz Gbaya Abdou , Efe-Aluta Oniovo , MBOUSSOU Franck Fortune Roland , Mirza Imran , Schreiber Benjamin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Introduction: With the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic in Côte d&#039;Ivoire, efforts were made to seamlessly integrate COVID-19 vaccination into the national immunization program. A collaborative initiative involving UNICEF, WHO, GAVI, and partner organizations resulted in the creation of the COVID-19 Vaccine Integration Mapping Tool. This paper presents a case study documenting the field testing of the Integration Mapping Tool and assessing the integration of COVID-19 vaccination within primary healthcare and routine immunization in Côte d&#039;Ivoire. The study aims to describe the pilot process, gather feedback on tool usefulness and challenges, and establish integration priorities through roadmap development.
Methods: Under the guidance of the Ministry of Health and Universal Coverage Cabinet, a workshop was conducted with participants from major health programs to field test the tool. Data analysis was performed using Excel, and the results were presented through tables, heat maps, and line graphs.
Results: The first-of-its-kind field test of the Integration Mapping Tool in Cote d&#039;Ivoire showcased its potential to bring key partners together to discuss the current state of integration, to improve transparency about resource allocation resource allocation, and enhance data management for the successful incorporation of COVID-19 vaccination into existing immunization systems. The integration of COVID-19 vaccines in Côte d&#039;Ivoire showed a moderate level of progress, with improvement needed in resource allocation, payment systems, targeting of highest risk groups and vaccine administration. Support should be increased for target population identification, distribution points, quality of care mechanisms, and health personnel training. Health information systems and access to essential medicines were relatively satisfactory. Integration into existing programs, intersectoral collaboration, national health strategy, communication strategy, community participation, and data utilization require improvement. The post-workshop satisfaction survey gave the tool a score of .7 out of 10. Early lessons from Côte d&#039;Ivoire provide guidance for enhancing integration, focusing on data-driven decision-making, collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and effective leadership.
Conclusion: The successful field test of the Integration Mapping Tool (IMT) in Côte d&#039;Ivoire marks a groundbreaking milestone, exemplifying the transformative potential of innovative tools in immunization practices. The IMT&#039;s application sets a precedent for seamless COVID-19 vaccination integration worldwide, emphasizing data-driven decision-making, collaboration, timing, and leadership. The pilot exercise&#039;s success in Côte d&#039;Ivoire was attributed to political commitment, well-facilitated workshops, assessments, and the fact that the team in CI had previously already developed some initial integration plan.