In 2020, despite the complications of the pandemic, Ghana switched from using ROTARIX® to ROTAVAC® rotavirus vaccine in its national immunization program. The Ghana Health Service made this decision for two main reasons: to save money and thereby increase the sustainability of its immunization program in the context of decreasing Gavi support, and to save cold chain space. Previous economic analyses had suggested that this would be the case, but actual experience can sometimes differ from projections. Because several countries are currently undergoing or considering switching rotavirus vaccine products, Ghana’s switch was poised to serve as a useful case study to assess the costs and implications of a switch.
PATH worked with Ghana Health Service and the University of Ghana to analyze the economic implications of this switch. This new evidence on the related costs and cost-effectiveness of changing vaccine products in Ghana will be helpful to inform other countries in similar situations. The availability of new, lower-cost rotavirus products and the increasing number of countries transitioning out of Gavi support may prompt many countries to switch, and the example of Ghana should provide insightful lessons. To share these lessons with other countries and stakeholders, PATH and its partners developed this case study answering four key questions from the economic analysis.
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