The Context

The COVID-19 pandemic shook societies, economies and the global health system. Many countries found themselves ill-prepared to respond to the shock and lacking in congruent digital health information systems within their governments. This trend was also seen during vaccination roll-outs, where countries with integrated data management and well-functioning logistics systems were far more successful in distributing vaccines.  

To prepare for future health shocks, BMZ allocated 10 million euros to the global policy initiative, Digital Innovation in Pandemic Control (DIPC). This project collaborates with international partners—including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The project is designed to help policymakers in partner countries to prepare people-centred digital transformations to counteract global health crises. In this use case, the Ministry of Health in Peru (MINSA) was the national partner. During the vaccination roll-out in Peru, the country struggled with vaccine logistics, especially when reaching vulnerable and Indigenous populations in hard-to-reach areas. To create future resilience in the Peruvian health system, the Peruvian Government and international partners collaborated on a shared goal of vaccine equity for all.  

Mapping the data ecosystem

Effective digital logistics systems have emerged as a primary indicator in the success or failure of vaccine distribution systems. In Peru, stakeholders recognized the need to collaborate with key actors across different sectors. ODI and the Data4Policy initiative organized a workshop to map the data ecosystem in Peru and to strengthen connections around vaccine distribution and planning.  

The workshop, consisting of actors from over 32 institutions, had a particular focus on government ministries. It also saw participation from two civil society groups, three private sector organizations and four international organizations. Ministries both within and outside the health sector took the opportunity to work together on a comprehensive strategy to combat future health threats through robust data exchange and a vaccine logistics plan.  

The four stakeholder groups were each tasked with creating their own data ecosystem map–a process that is part of the ODI methodology. These four maps showcased the different perspectives within the vaccine logistics process. Important needs were identified including optimal management of tangible and financial resources for vaccine distribution and administration; for the Ministry of Health to strengthen ties with PAHO and with regional and local politicians and senators; and the need to share data via an open data platform. Insights from the workshop contributed to enhanced data-sharing between Government ministries. These learnings will lead to a clear action plan for vaccine distribution in the event of a future pandemic or health crisis in Peru.

The workshop yielded eight areas for improvement:

1. To address a lack of interoperability and barriers to data exchange

2. To overcome barriers within organizations

3. To develop interoperable solutions and common standards

4. To address fragmentation within health information systems

5. To better understand the implications of data ecosystems on health decision-making

6. To solve the lack of timely information/obstacles when estimating vaccine needs

7. To overcome manual processes and loss of information in remote regions

8. To fill data gaps and loss of efficiency in the vaccine procurement and distribution process

These insights have been shared along the vaccine distribution chain and stakeholders are set to collaborate on problem-solving and developing fruitful outcomes.

‍How can better data contribute to better policy?

By enhancing data exchange between multiple partners and increasing the interoperability of partners in the Peruvian data ecosystem, policymakers are well-equipped to rapidly assess and deploy a vaccination programme in the event of a health crisis—and improve on responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The workshop enabled policymakers across ministries to capitalize on their strengths as Government agencies. The multistakeholder coalition will enhance policymaking for better health outcomes in vaccine distribution.  

Where do we go from here?

The collaboration between Peru and PAHO with GIZ and ODI is just one component of the DIPC programme. The ODI methodology supported stakeholders by mapping existing data and streamlining data-sharing by connecting different actors. The mapping process acted as a springboard to increase efficiencies in digital healthcare and a way to deepen partnerships to improve data-sharing in the future. Other health teams can build on the ODI methodology to jump-start interministerial and transnational digital healthcare processes for emergencies and beyond.

• In the case of Peru, enhancing innovation and partnerships for vaccine distribution will benefit 150,000 people living between Peru and its bordering states of Bolivia, Columbia, and Ecuador, which mainly comprise Indigenous peoples.  

• The project increased epidemiological surveillance in the region to prevent future outbreaks and pandemics.  

• Further results include training 1,000 health workers on digital health and creating a binational framework and agreements to strengthen vaccination in the region.  

• Improving vaccine logistics and distribution systems in Peru will contribute to these goals and inform an implementation plan which can be quickly deployed in the event of future outbreaks.

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