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Inter-Regional Immunization Strengthening Workshop
April 9-13,
2001 at Centre des Pensières, Annecy, France
A set of six
guides for workshop facilitators, developed for a workshop held in
Annecy, France, in April, focus on strengthening immunization programmes
and management systems. These practical guides can be adapted for
workshops in different regions or countries. Key topics covered by the
guides include the development of in-country coordinating mechanisms,
immunization programme assessments, multi-year plans, and financing.
Objectives of Workshop
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Identify
challenges to developing and implementing strong immunization programs
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Develop
strategies for addressing them
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Come to a
common understanding of GAVI and how to access new resources through
the Vaccine Fund
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Generate
ideas for future workshops
Participants and Technical Resource People
The 22
participants were a top-notch and diverse group of regional and national
immunization experts representing WHO (7), Ministries of Health (6),
UNICEF (3), the World Bank (1), PATH (1), Association Pour L’Aide a la
Medicine Preventive (1), and consultants/other institutions (3).
The
participants work as immunization professionals in Africa, Asia, the
Newly Independent States, and the Middle East.
All the
participants were nominated by their Regional Working Groups as persons
whose involvement would best strengthen the region's immunization
systems.
In addition
to the 22 participants, an additional 22 technical resource people
participated—in part or all—of the workshop. Participants and technical
resource people participated equally in the workshop. Many of the
resource persons will likely be involved in future regional training
initiatives.
Workshop Overview
The workshop
was conducted over five days. The participatory methodology used in the
workshop recognized the expertise of the participants and combined small
group break-out exercises with plenary sessions. These sessions
generally were rated “very useful.”
The workshop
was facilitated by two training experts (Linda Bruce and Scott Wittet)
who were teamed with various technical resource people and participant
experts to manage the topic areas.
General Feedback on the Workshop
Participants
were regularly asked to provide feedback during the workshop (so that
“course corrections” could be made) and in a plenary session at the end
of the week. They were also asked to complete anonymous evaluation forms.
Overall, the
feedback received from the participants and technical resource people
about the workshop was positive.
Based on
participant comments, there is a clear mandate for this type of workshop
at the regional and country-levels. In addition, there is a clear
mandate to increase the number of technical consultants cognizant of the
“immunization program strengthening process” and able to assist
countries with organizing effective Interagency Coordinating Committees,
immunization program assessment, and development and implementation of
multi-year and annual plans.
Participants
particularly liked the opportunity to gather in small groups, with
representatives from many regions.
The week was
a valuable testing ground for components of future workshops. The
organizers and participants learned a lot during the week.
Results of the anonymous evaluations
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