Introduction of Hib conjugate vaccines in the non-industrialized world: experience in four 'newly adopting' countries

Hib conjugate vaccines are widely used in the industrialized world, but are just now beginning to be introduced into other countries. To identify fact ors facilitating rapid global introduction, we evaluated the decision-makin g process, mode of introduction, effectiveness, and impact on the immunizat ion program of Hib conjugate vaccine introduction in four nonindustrialized countries through site visits and use of a standardized questionnaire. The key promoters of Hib introduction were the pediatric community and ministr ies of health. Local surveillance and severity data were critical in the de cision to adopt Hib vaccine. Assistance with surveillance, introduction gui delines, educational material, tenders, and funding is needed to accelerate wider adoption. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.