In Botswana, a significant step was taken to enhance the surveillance and management of adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) with the introduction of VigiMobile for vaccines and VigiFlow into its immunisation programme. VigiMobile is an app that allows healthcare professionals (HCPs) to report AEFI efficiently from remote areas with little access to the internet. Data can be entered offline, and once connected, can be transmitted to VigiFlow, Botswana’s dedicated national data management system for managing adverse events.
A pivotal element in the deployment of these tools was the "National AEFI Data Management Training Using VigiFlow and VigiMobile," an onsite programme that brought together key stakeholders in Botswana’s pharmacovigilance system, including the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA), the Expanded Immunisation Programme (EPI) in Botswana, WHO and UMC. The training was designed to optimise the reporting, collection, and management of AEFI data across the country. It included both theoretical and practical sessions, employing a "train the trainer" strategy. This approach prepared national and district representatives of the EPI and BoMRA to disseminate their knowledge further, training their staff and HCPs in using these tools.
Participants were encouraged to enrol in and complete UMC's online self-paced courses on VigiFlow before attending the onsite training. This preliminary step was critical for the practical aspects of the programme, where participants actively entered AEFI reports into VigiMobile and VigiFlow. These activities, designed to mimic real-world scenarios, allowed participants to experience the reporting process first-hand, thereby enhancing their understanding and grasp of the tools and of potential challenges that can arise in the field. The training concluded with a feedback survey that indicated high satisfaction among participants, who praised the practical and comprehensive approach and the engaging quality of the presentations.
As BoMRA and the EPI integrate VigiFlow and VigiMobile into their standardised operational procedures, the improved collaboration and enhanced data handling capabilities are expected to significantly boost AEFI surveillance and response efforts in Botswana.
In conclusion, the National AEFI Data Management Training in Botswana exemplifies how targeted educational initiatives, focusing on practical, hands-on training tailored to the country's context, can significantly enhance the capabilities of healthcare professionals in managing public health data, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.
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