Regional : Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project

Sovereign Project | 50282-001

The Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project (the project) adopts a regional approach to improving immunization outcomes by introducing three vaccines in Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. It supports the countries in (i) pooling the procurement of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), and the rotavirus vaccine through the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF); (ii) strengthening primary health care and the capacity to deliver vaccination programs; and (iii) increasing community awareness and the population's knowledge of and attitude toward vaccines. The project will reduce the burden and minimize outbreaks related to vaccine-preventable diseases, integrate immunization programs into broader health systems, and improve access to primary health services.

Project Name Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project
Project Number 50282-001
Country / Economy Regional
Samoa
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu
Project Status Active
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Grant
Loan
Source of Funding / Amount
Grant 0623-REG: Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific
Asian Development Fund US$ 7.50 million
Grant 0624-REG: Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific
Asian Development Fund US$ 3.85 million
Grant 0625-REG: Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific
Asian Development Fund US$ 2.50 million
Grant 0626-REG: Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific
Asian Development Fund US$ 9.00 million
Grant 0787-REG: Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific
Asian Development Fund US$ 1.50 million
Grant 0788-REG: Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific
Asian Development Fund US$ 8.00 million
Grant 0789-REG: Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific
Asian Development Fund US$ 5.50 million
Grant 0790-REG: Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific
Asian Development Fund US$ 3.88 million
Loan 3736-REG: Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific
Concessional ordinary capital resources lending US$ 2.25 million
Strategic Agendas Inclusive economic growth
Regional integration
Drivers of Change Gender Equity and Mainstreaming
Governance and capacity development
Knowledge solutions
Partnerships
Sector / Subsector

Health / Disease control of communicable disease - Health system development

Gender Gender equity theme
Description

The Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project (the project) adopts a regional approach to improving immunization outcomes by introducing three vaccines in Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. It supports the countries in (i) pooling the procurement of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), and the rotavirus vaccine through the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF); (ii) strengthening primary health care and the capacity to deliver vaccination programs; and (iii) increasing community awareness and the population's knowledge of and attitude toward vaccines. The project will reduce the burden and minimize outbreaks related to vaccine-preventable diseases, integrate immunization programs into broader health systems, and improve access to primary health services.

As a response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the governments of Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu have been preparing for the imminent arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, and have requested additional financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to further strengthen immunization programs and prepare for the vaccine rollout. The additional financing will build on the original project to support the four governments in meeting their urgent needs.

Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes almost all cervical cancers through communicable disease transmission. Cervical cancer is a major cause of premature death in the Pacific causing nearly 500 deaths in 2010 and is therefore a leading cause of death among women in 2010 across the Pacific region. It is largely preventable through cost effective interventions of early detection and HPV vaccination. Immunization is pro-poor, providing relatively larger benefits to low-income households.

The governments of Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu have incurred considerable costs to prevent the entry of COVID-19 through travel restrictions, while mitigating the pandemic's effects on their economies. The additional financing expands the scope of the original project, i.e., to include the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines, which will enable the gradual reopening of borders and economies, and reestablish the free movement of people both nationally and internationally.

Impact

Incidence and prevalence of cervical cancer in the Pacific region reduced; healthy lives ensured and well-being for all at all ages promoted; and SARS-Cov2 virus spread, morbidity and mortality reduced, and confidence of citizens restored.

Project Outcome
Description of Outcome

Immunization coverage of vaccines increased

Progress Toward Outcome

Inception Mission was held in February 2020 to facilitate start up activities, and signing of agreements with UNICEF and consulting firm for implementation and monitoring.

Review Mission was held in September 2020.

Review Mission was held in March 2021.

Midterm Review Mission was held in September to October 2021.

Review mission was held in April 2022.

Review mission was held in SAM, TON, VAN in July-Oct 2022. TUV continues to have C19 travel restrictions.

Implementation Progress
Description of Project Outputs

Regional vaccine procurement strengthened

Health systems strengthened

Community awareness improved

Status of Implementation Progress (Outputs, Activities, and Issues)

No stock out issues noted in 2022 Q3 review missions.

All 4 countries have started to collect the sex-disaggregated immunization data and to be reflected in the national reports. Sex-disaggregated immunization data is observed at the national level in both SAM, TON, and TUV, but progress remains to be made for VAN.

Completed in all 4 countries, and revised in 2022.

Facility-level microplanning training have been completed in all four DMCs, but only TON has compiled micro-plans at health facility level.

All 4 national immunization polices have been updated in 2021.

On track to meet cold chain inventory targets in all 4 countries.

Training on collecting and reporting of adverse events following immunization has commenced, but no evidence of collation of data from facility level to national level.

At least two health promotion activities has been conducted for the three new vaccines as well as for COVID-19 vaccine introduction.

COVID-19 information materials have been rolled-out in ongoing campaigns, and has reached at least 50% population in SAM and TON. To be confirmed in VAN and TUV.

Amended UNICEF VII Agreement signed

Samoa/Tonga/Tuvalu/Vanuatu: Achieved

UNICEF Agreement signed.

Samoa/Tonga/Tuvalu/Vanuatu: All 3 vaccines, buffer stock included, arrived. Supplies for catch-up plans need to be considered and re-evaluated.

Geographical Location Samoa - Nation-wide; Tonga - Nation-wide; Tuvalu - Nation-wide; Vanuatu - Nation-wide
Safeguard Categories
Environment C
Involuntary Resettlement C
Indigenous Peoples C
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects The project will have no adverse environmental impacts.
Involuntary Resettlement The project will have minimal or no adverse social impacts.
Indigenous Peoples The project will have minimal or no adverse social impacts.
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation
During Project Design The project will impact women and children. During project preparation, consultation and participation will include: (i) group discussions with (potential) beneficiaries, health workers, and community-based organizations; (ii) consultation of health staff and district health managers, sub-national level government administration, central ministries, and partners; and (iii) where appropriate, workshop with ministries, partners, and nongovernment organizations.
During Project Implementation Project outputs include increase in awareness of vaccines in key stakeholder groups. Support will be provided to Ministries of Education and Health and nongovernment organizations/civil society to develop health promotion strategies on the importance of vaccination/screening.
Business Opportunities
Consulting Services

The following consulting services will be advertised soon:

1. Health Demographer and Statistician (Tonga)

2. Health Demographer and Statistician (Tuvalu)

3. Health Demographer and Statistician (Vanuatu)

Procurement

The following goods are to be procured:

Samoa

1. PPEs (Direct Contracting)

2. Health Care Waste Equipment (Direct Contracting)

3. Medical Equipment (Direct Contracting)

4. EPI Vehicles (Shopping)

5. Walk-in Cooler (Shopping)

6. IT Equipment (Shopping)

Vanuatu

1. Cold Chain Equipment (Direct Contracting)

2. Purchase of Boats (Shopping)

Responsible ADB Officer Lam, Ki Fung Kelvin
Responsible ADB Department Pacific Department
Responsible ADB Division PASP
Executing Agencies
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Finance & Economic Management
Ministry of Finance, Commerce, Trade & Tourism
Timetable
Concept Clearance 10 Jan 2017
Fact Finding 10 Apr 2018 to 19 Apr 2018
MRM 09 Aug 2018
Approval 08 Nov 2018
Last Review Mission -
Last PDS Update 21 Apr 2023

Grant 0623-REG

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
08 Nov 2018 21 Jan 2019 01 Jul 2019 31 May 2024 31 May 2026 -
Financing Plan Grant Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 12.06 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 7.50 25 Apr 2023 4.90 0.00 65%
Counterpart 4.56 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 25 Apr 2023 3.76 0.00 50%
Status of Covenants
Category Sector Safeguards Social Financial Economic Others
Rating - Satisfactory - - - Satisfactory

Grant 0624-REG

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
08 Nov 2018 29 Nov 2018 14 Aug 2019 31 May 2024 31 May 2026 -
Financing Plan Grant Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 3.85 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 3.85 25 Apr 2023 3.07 0.00 80%
Counterpart 0.00 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 25 Apr 2023 2.54 0.00 66%
Status of Covenants
Category Sector Safeguards Social Financial Economic Others
Rating - Satisfactory - - - Satisfactory

Grant 0625-REG

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
08 Nov 2018 12 Dec 2018 29 Aug 2019 31 May 2024 31 May 2026 -
Financing Plan Grant Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 2.50 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 2.50 25 Apr 2023 1.93 0.00 77%
Counterpart 0.00 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 25 Apr 2023 1.33 0.00 53%
Status of Covenants
Category Sector Safeguards Social Financial Economic Others
Rating - Satisfactory - - - Satisfactory

Grant 0626-REG

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
08 Nov 2018 28 Feb 2019 01 Jul 2019 31 May 2024 31 May 2026 -
Financing Plan Grant Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 9.00 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 9.00 25 Apr 2023 5.71 0.00 63%
Counterpart 0.00 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 25 Apr 2023 4.44 0.00 49%
Status of Covenants
Category Sector Safeguards Social Financial Economic Others
Rating - Satisfactory - - - Satisfactory

Grant 0787-REG

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
23 Apr 2021 19 May 2021 09 Jun 2021 31 May 2024 31 May 2026 -
Financing Plan Grant Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 1.90 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 1.50 25 Apr 2023 1.11 0.00 74%
Counterpart 0.40 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 25 Apr 2023 0.91 0.00 60%
Status of Covenants
Category Sector Safeguards Social Financial Economic Others
Rating - Satisfactory - - - Satisfactory

Grant 0788-REG

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
23 Apr 2021 31 May 2021 18 Jun 2021 31 May 2024 31 May 2026 -
Financing Plan Grant Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 8.00 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 8.00 25 Apr 2023 1.78 0.00 22%
Counterpart 0.00 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 25 Apr 2023 0.20 0.00 3%
Status of Covenants
Category Sector Safeguards Social Financial Economic Others
Rating - Satisfactory - - - Satisfactory

Grant 0789-REG

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
23 Apr 2021 20 May 2021 10 Jun 2021 31 May 2024 31 May 2026 -
Financing Plan Grant Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 5.77 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 5.50 25 Apr 2023 4.64 0.00 84%
Counterpart 0.27 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 25 Apr 2023 3.90 0.00 71%
Status of Covenants
Category Sector Safeguards Social Financial Economic Others
Rating - Satisfactory - - - Satisfactory

Grant 0790-REG

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
23 Apr 2021 07 Jun 2021 18 Jun 2021 31 May 2024 31 May 2026 -
Financing Plan Grant Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 3.95 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 3.88 25 Apr 2023 3.52 0.00 91%
Counterpart 0.07 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 25 Apr 2023 3.13 0.00 81%
Status of Covenants
Category Sector Safeguards Social Financial Economic Others
Rating - Satisfactory - - - Satisfactory

Loan 3736-REG

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
08 Nov 2018 28 Feb 2019 01 Jul 2019 31 May 2024 31 May 2026 -
Financing Plan Loan Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 2.25 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 2.25 25 Apr 2023 2.25 0.00 100%
Counterpart 0.00 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 25 Apr 2023 1.67 0.00 74%
Status of Covenants
Category Sector Safeguards Social Financial Economic Others
Rating - Satisfactory - - - Satisfactory

Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.

The Access to Information Policy (AIP) recognizes that transparency and accountability are essential to development effectiveness. It establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced.

The Accountability Mechanism provides a forum where people adversely affected by ADB-assisted projects can voice and seek solutions to their problems and report alleged noncompliance of ADB's operational policies and procedures.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of, or reference to, a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Title Document Type Document Date
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project: Vanuatu Audited Project Financial Statements (January-December 2021) Audited Project Financial Statements May 2023
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project: Updated Project Administration Manual Project/Program Administration Manual May 2023
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project: Samoa Audited Project Financial Statements (July 2021-June 2022) Audited Project Financial Statements Jan 2023
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project: Tuvalu Audited Project Financial Statements (January-December 2021) Audited Project Financial Statements Oct 2022
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project: Samoa Procurement Plan Procurement Plans Jul 2022
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project: Tonga Audited Project Financial Statements (14 August 2019-30 June 2021) Audited Project Financial Statements Jul 2022
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project: Vanuatu Procurement Plan Procurement Plans May 2022
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project: Tonga Procurement Plan Procurement Plans May 2022
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project: Tuvalu Procurement Plan Procurement Plans May 2022
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project: Tuvalu Audited Project Financial Statements (29 August 2019-31 December 2020) Audited Project Financial Statements Mar 2022
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project: Vanuatu Audited Project Financial Statements (July 2019-December 2020) Audited Project Financial Statements Jan 2022
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project: Samoa Audited Project Financial Statements (January 2019-June 2021) Audited Project Financial Statements Jan 2022
Loan Agreement (Ordinary Operations [Concessional]) for Loan 3736-REG: Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project Loan Agreement (Ordinary Resources) Feb 2019
Grant Agreement (Special Operations) for Grant 0626-REG: Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project Grant Agreement Feb 2019
Grant Agreement (Special Operations) for Grant 0623-REG: Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project Grant Agreement Jan 2019
Grant Agreement (Special Operations) for Grant 0625-REG: Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project Grant Agreement Dec 2018
Grant Agreement (Special Operations) for Grant 0624-REG: Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project Grant Agreement Nov 2018
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project: Report and Recommendation of the President Reports and Recommendations of the President Oct 2018
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project: Project Administration Manual Project/Program Administration Manual Oct 2018
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project: Gender Action Plan Gender Action Plans Oct 2018
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project: Procurement Plan Procurement Plans Jul 2018
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific: Initial Poverty and Social Analysis Initial Poverty and Social Analysis Jan 2018
Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific: Project Preparatory Technical Assistance Report Project Preparatory Technical Assistance Reports Jan 2017

Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.

None currently available.


Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation

None currently available.


Related Publications

None currently available.


The Access to Information Policy (AIP) establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced in its operations to facilitate stakeholder participation in ADB's decision-making. For more information, refer to the Safeguard Policy Statement, Operations Manual F1, and Operations Manual L3.

Requests for information may also be directed to the InfoUnit.

Tenders

Tender Title Type Status Posting Date Deadline
Integrated Project Management Firm - Consulting Closed

Contracts Awarded

Contract Title Approval Number Contract Date Contractor | Address Executing Agency Total Contract Amount (US$) Contract Amount Financed by ADB (US$)
INTEGRATED PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT FOR THE PROJECT - SAM Grant 0623 08 Jul 2020 ABT ASSOCIATES PTY. LTD (ACN 091 591 294) | LEVEL 2 5 GARDENER CLOSE MILTON QUEENSLAND 4068 AUSTRALIA Ministry of Finance 1,500,000.00
UNICEF VII AGREEMENT WITH SAMOA Grant 0623 24 Apr 2020 UNITED NNATIONS CHILDREN'S FUND (UNICEF) | FDB BUILDING 360 VICTORIA PARADE SUVA FIJI FIJI REPUBLIC OF Ministry of Finance 603,000.00