VacSeen : semantically enriched automatic identification and data capture for improved vaccine logistics

Abstract

Vaccines are globally recognized as a critical public health intervention. Routine immunization coverage in large parts of the developing world is around 80%. Technology and policy initiatives are presently underway to improve vaccine access in such countries. Efforts to deploy AIDC technologies, such as barcodes, on vaccine packaging in developing countries are currently ongoing under the aegis of the 'Decade of Vaccines' initiative by key stakeholders. Such a scenario presents an opportunity to evaluate novel approaches for enhancing vaccine access. In this thesis I report the development of VacSeen, a Semantic Web technology-enabled platform for improving vaccine access in developing countries. Furthermore, I report results of evaluation of a suite of constituent software and hardware tools pertaining to facilitating equitable vaccine access in resource-constrained settings through data linkage and temperature sensing. I subsequently discuss the value of such linkage and approaches to implementation using concepts from technology, policy, and systems analysis.