Isaac Gobina

The WHO PQS product feedback cycle

Did you know that at the heart of WHO Performance, Quality & Safety (PQS) is a crucial performance monitoring and feedback mechanism? This mechanism makes it possible for PQS to enforce and improve product standards and make sure that products and devices procured for use in immunization programmes are suitable, quality and reliable. This cycle of feedback and improvement is powered by the input of EPI programmes and product manufacturers. In-field insights - such as reports of product life cycle performance or defects and faults - help WHO PQS develop new or review existing product specifications to maintain a robust prequalification process and, ultimately, help EPI programmes safeguard and deliver precious potent and safe vaccines.

Envisioning the future

WHO PQS also gathers up-to-date insights about the evolving requirements of product users’ operating environments, with which PQS can help shape the design of novel product features. Desired future product features are incorporated into PQS target product profiles (TPPs) as aspirational targets for manufacturers’ product development. Recent examples of technical advancements thanks to PQS TPPs include remote temperature monitoring devices, and solar power energy harvesting capabilities. Both of these advances answer current needs of product technicians and other health centre staff, reinforcing abilities to deliver reliable vaccination services.

Five minutes to fruitful feedback!

So, calling all product users and product manufacturers to help improve performance and drive innovation of immunization products and devices!

Tell us about any product defects as they happen, and take a moment to imagine your dream-features for any PQS products:

• submit your feedback with this simple form: http://apps.who.int/immunization_standards/vaccine_quality/pqs_catalogue/feedbackform.aspx
• or click the link and bookmark the feedback form today!