Burkina Faso conducts Mid-Level Management Course on Vaccination
From 13 to 18 February 2023, Burkina Faso conducted a Mid-level Management (MLM) course training. The MLM course is a series of 18 modules developed by WHO on different topics on the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) management. The training was facilitated by the WHO/IST West Africa colleagues in charge of Finance sustainability, Routine Immunization/New Vaccines introduction, Vaccine Safety and Demand Generation/Risk Communication.
Over 10 nationals from the national EPI Programme participated. Different units were represented including planning and monitoring, demand generation, vaccine supply and vaccine safety and finance. In addition, the following 6 modules were delivered: EPI Management; Funding; Vaccine Safety; Vaccines Management; Cold Chain and Communication and Community Engagement.
The national EPI Manager, who officially opened the session congratulated the staff present for completing the 18 online modules - which leads to the Master Certificate. He added that he expected the trainees to take advantage of face-to-face meetings to deepen each technical area and update themselves with the latest innovations including the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030).
Most importantly, because of his team’s high turnover he encouraged each unit to develop clear aide-memoires that would serve as SOPs for newly hired staff.
The biggest challenge now for the national EPI programme is to pass on the modules to lower levels of the health system for them to strengthen their skills and improve on their performances.
Authors: Hilaire DADJO, WHO IST West Africa; Alexis SATOULOU MALEYO, WHO IST West Africa; José BIEY, WHO IST West Africa; Edinam AGBENU, WHO IST West Africa
Photo credit: Hilaire DADJO, WHO IST West Africa