Strengthening Global Routine Immunization: #WorldImmunizationWeek

Thursday, 20 April 2023

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APRIL 2023

The Refocus on Strengthening Global Routine Immunization: #WorldImmunizationWeek

This World Immunization Week’s theme, “The Big Catch-Up” focuses on making up progress lost since the pandemic to ensure no child misses life-saving vaccines. This year, we'll recommit to both strengthening the foundations of strong routine immunization programs and leveraging new approaches to overcome persistent challenges. #VaccinesWork

Strengthening Routine Immunization

Strengthening Immunization Services through Person-centered Care

Vaccination uptake is influenced by highly nuanced sociocultural, behavioral, and structural factors. It is critical to understand these to identify and reach zero-dose and under-immunized children. Learn more about how person-centered approaches to immunization support the development of community-led, tailored, and sustainable strategies that can reach children everywhere with vaccination services.

a woman sitting at a desk looking at a cell phone

Gavi to Improve Access to Data to Reach Zero-Dose Children

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance has launched the Zero-Dose Learning Hub to improve how data are used to identify and reach zero-dose children. This global platform will provide technical and operational support to four learning hubs in Bangladesh, Mali, Nigeria, and Uganda. The platform will disseminate learning across immunization stakeholders at the community, national, regional, and global levels. Read the press release.

Building Vaccine Confidence in Massachusetts

The Vaccine Confidence Project in Massachusetts works to ensure that all residents are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. The project, which works in collaboration with the Massachusetts Adult Immunization Coalition, the MA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and MA DPH Immunization Division, just released its latest newsletter, which has resources for increasing vaccine confidence.

Reducing Barriers to COVID-19 Vaccinations

Changing COVID-19 perceptions in Ethiopia through a Women-led Organization

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching key groups in Ethiopia, in which 80 percent of the population resides in peri-rural areas, was difficult and worsened by ongoing confllict in the north. Through our Last 10 Kilometers project, we partnered with the Network of Ethiopian Women Association to strengthen risk communication and community engagement to thwart the spread of COVID-19. Read more.

Vaccinating People in Remote Communities in Ghana against COVID-19

Reaching remote areas in Ghana to vaccinate people can be risky. But thanks to our USAID Strengthening the Care Continuum project and local partners, the river-crossing journey is made and people are protected from COVID-19. Read more.

From Idea to Institution: The Behavioral Science Center in Nepal

Behavioral science can help us understand the social and behavioral barriers to immunization. In Nepal, JSI, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, and UNICEF Nepal established the Behavioral Science Center to sustainably strengthen local capacity in applied behavioral science, with an initial focus on immunization.

Coordinating Waste Management Efforts in Niger

Increased medical waste from the pandemic response has put tremendous strain on health care waste management systems. Failure to handle waste properly has consequences for health care workers and surrounding communities. In Niger, The MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity project developed clear guidelines to manage this waste.

Zambia Reaches 70% Vaccinated

Continued support and community vaccination campaign efforts by the USAID DISCOVER-Health project helped Lusaka, Zambia’s capital city and district, reach its 70% COVID-19 vaccination target in April 2023. Read the full story.