Routine immunizations and new vaccine introductions are two of the best investments to improving people’s health around the globe. While the world has made incredible progress in providing access to lifesaving vaccines, without reliable, easy-to-access, and actionable data on the barriers impeding immunizations, coupled with trained data managers, stakeholders interested in improving immunization coverage are working with limited and often anecdotal data that may not correlate with the actual issues. Did a child miss a vaccine because the health center had a stockout? Or because the caregiver did not know the child was due?
Launched in 2013 and led by PATH, the BID Initiative was founded on the belief that better data leads to better decisions and, ultimately, better health outcomes. In partnership with the governments of Tanzania and Zambia, BID addressed critical challenges in routine immunization by improving the quality, accessibility, and use of data.
Together, they designed and scaled a comprehensive, flexible package of interventions including electronic immunization registries integrated with supply chain systems, automated reporting and data visualization tools, data use campaigns, peer support networks, targeted supervision for health workers, barcoded or QR-coded child health cards and vaccines for tracking, and dashboards to monitor facility performance. Although the initiative has concluded, it leaves a legacy of practical insights and resources that continue to inform and inspire data-driven improvements in health systems worldwide.
Explore BID’s lessons learned:
- Overview
- Rollout Strategy
- Data Use
- Electronic Immunization Registries (EIR)
- Software Development Cycle
- Change Management
- Peer Learning
- Sustainability
Additional learning resources:
- BID videos and BLN webinars: A collection of videos and webinars from the BID Learning Network capturing experiences, strategies, and insights from implementers and policymakers.
Resources and tools
Tools and resources for planning
Tools and resources for implementation
Publications and knowledge management tools and resources
Communications tools and resources
| Title | Author | Year | Type | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BID Regional Global Factsheet | BID Initiative | 2019 | Report | English |
| A health worker’s journey: Oliver’s life after the BID Initiative | BID Initiative | 2019 | Poster/infographic | English |
| The BID Initiative Story | BID Initiative | 2018 | Report | English, French |
| BID Initiative Annual Report: April 2016-March 2017 | BID Initiative | 2017 | Report | English, French |
| BID Initiative Annual Report: April 2014-March 2015 | BID Initiative | 2015 | Report | English |