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Critical prerequisites for Covid‐19 vaccine acceleration: A developing economy perspective
Author(s) -
Hinson Robert E.,
Hein Wolfgang,
Tettey Louis N.,
Nartey Betty A.,
Harant Anne,
Struck Nicole S.,
Fobil Julius N.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of public affairs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.221
H-Index - 20
eISSN - 1479-1854
pISSN - 1472-3891
DOI - 10.1002/pa.2723
Subject(s) - pandemic , government (linguistics) , transparency (behavior) , context (archaeology) , developing country , business , economic growth , covid-19 , public relations , political science , medicine , infectious disease (medical specialty) , disease , economics , geography , linguistics , philosophy , archaeology , pathology , law
This study aims to explore the critical prerequisites for accelerating the distribution of the COVID‐19 vaccine in developing countries by using Ghana as a case study. A qualitative study method and content analysis approach was used. In‐depth interviews were conducted with health experts from the Ghana Health Service, World Health Organization (WHO), AstraZeneca, Novartis, and Medtronic Inc. in Ghana. Our analysis of data revealed that new structures, committees, advisory bodies and lines of communication in government evolved during this pandemic and are underlying the current strategy development and decision‐making on COVID‐19 vaccines. The interviews gave insights into six major factors that will aid COVID‐19 vaccine acceleration in Ghana. These factors are: (1) Access to vaccines through delivery, (2) national manufacturing of vaccines, (3) choosing the best vaccine candidates, (4) financial resources, (5) transparency, and (6) vaccine roll‐out and administration. These results could guide policymakers and other relevant stakeholders in prioritizing activities that will aid COVID‐19 vaccine acceleration in Ghana and other lower‐middle‐income countries, tailored to their specific context. As a recommendation, the Ghanaian government should embrace a multisectoral synergy approach to fight the disease. The study also provides insights into how vaccine adoption can be accelerated in the case of future pandemics.