Modelling and mapping vaccine preventable disease dynamics (incidence, immunity, and vaccine coverage) in Samoa

Principal Advisor: Associate Professor Benn Sartorius

Research group page: ODeSI Operational Research and Decision Support for Prevention, Control and Elimination of Infectious Diseases

Organisational unit: UQ Centre for Clinical Research

The project will focus on modelling and mapping the dynamics of priority vaccine preventable diseases in Samoa. By utilizing available epidemiological data, vaccination coverage data, and population demographics, the project will aim to understand the patterns and factors influencing the development of susceptible sub-populations and spread of these diseases. Using spatial-temporal modelling, the project will provide insights into the transmission dynamics of vaccine preventable diseases in Samoa, assess the impact of vaccination coverage over time on disease incidence and identifying areas with lower immunity levels or inadequate vaccine coverage. The project's findings will be instrumental in improving our understanding of current VPD transmission dynamics in Samoa and help guide future public health interventions and vaccination strategies in Samoa. By identifying high-risk areas and populations, policymakers and healthcare professionals can prioritize vaccination campaigns, improve vaccine delivery systems, and enhance immunization coverage rates. The modelling and mapping approaches developed in this project can also serve as valuable tools for other regions grappling with similar challenges in controlling vaccine preventable diseases.