Nairobi, Kenya — A recent study highlights how enhancing the supply chain for rabies vaccines in Tanzania and Kenya can drastically lower preventable deaths while maximizing health budgets. Published in the Journal Vaccine, the research draws on data from several institutions, including the University of Glasgow and the Ifakara Health Institute.
By implementing the World Health Organization’s recommended intradermal (ID) vaccination technique, one vial can serve multiple patients, potentially reducing vaccine use by over 55%. This method is especially beneficial in reaching rural areas where patient visits are infrequent, helping to minimize stockouts and ensure a steady supply of vaccines.
Rabies remains a major public health concern, claiming approximately 59,000 lives annually, predominantly in low- and middle-income regions. Access to timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is hindered by several obstacles, including frequent stock shortages, prohibitive costs, and long-distance travel to health facilities. As a result, many individuals fail to receive critical treatments, leading to a deadly outcome.
The study investigates various aspects of vaccine demand, supply chain issues, and management strategies, underscoring the need for robust systems to ensure timely delivery of life-saving vaccines. Researchers advocate for improved restocking strategies and the decentralization of PEP services, allowing communities easier access to care.
“It is unacceptable that people are still falling victim to rabies when effective vaccines exist. By refining stock management and employing dose-sparing intradermal techniques, nations can provide better protection with limited resources,” said Martha Luka, the study’s lead author and a postgraduate researcher at the University of Glasgow.
In Tanzania, where PEP is typically available only at central hospitals, the research suggests that distributing vaccines to more local clinics can enhance healthcare equity. This is particularly vital for residents in remote locations who currently face logistical barriers to treatment.
To prevent stock shortages, tailored restocking plans should reflect the average number of patients each facility encounters. The study outlines straightforward, facility-specific guidelines for determining necessary stock levels and optimal reordering times, empowering health systems to adapt quickly to fluctuations in demand.
Kennedy Lushasi, a co-author of the study from the Ifakara Health Institute, emphasized the importance of the findings. “We have created a practical roadmap to enhance rabies vaccine distribution in Tanzania. By integrating vaccines into existing supply chains and improving local access, we can safeguard lives, reduce expenditures, and assist the most vulnerable populations. Policymakers must act now; each life taken by rabies is a tragedy that we have the means to prevent,” he stated.
This call for action coincides with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s commitment to expanding access to human rabies vaccines, aiming for zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. Gavi’s strategy includes incorporating rabies vaccines into national immunization programs across various regions, particularly in areas heavily affected by rabies.
Mumbua Mutunga, a co-author and PhD Fellow at the University of Nairobi, commented on the significance of Gavi’s investment. “Our research indicates that with effective supply chain strategies and the adoption of dose-saving measures like intradermal injections, countries can shift from reactive treatment to reliable, long-term prevention,” Mutunga said. “This can prevent tragic and unnecessary deaths, particularly among children in marginalized communities.”
“The necessity for strategic investment and data-driven planning cannot be overstated,” Mutunga added. “These steps are crucial in making vaccines consistently accessible and timely for those who need them most, particularly in underserved areas.”
As the initiative to achieve Zero by 30 gains momentum, Luka remains hopeful. “With the right strategies in place, reaching this goal is entirely attainable. Now is the time for countries to utilize Gavi’s investment to strengthen resilient systems that guarantee prompt access to PEP for everyone at risk.”