Background
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been disruptions to essential health services affecting countries of all regions. Immunization programs were impacted in multiple ways, and those disruptions extended to fixed sites, outreach sessions and vaccination campaigns. As a result, large numbers of children missed vaccinations during this time period and several still have not caught up on their needed vaccines, making them susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). In fact, recent WHO/UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage show that in 2022, childhood immunization coverage has increased, but not yet recovered to 2019 levels.
Last year, Sabin’s Boost Community and the World Health Organization launched their inaugural COVID-19 Recovery for Routine Immunization Programs Fellowship for national and sub-national immunization staff in an effort to support them as they plan and implement activities for the recovery and strengthening of their countries’ immunization programs.
Based on overwhelming demand and success, Sabin and WHO are recruiting individuals to participate in a second cohort, which will start August 29 (English) and August 31 (French).
This cohort will participate in a comprehensive program over the course of six months that involves a learning engagement series, developing a strategic plan and potentially receiving 1:1 mentoring support by global immunization subject matter experts from the conceptual stage of a project idea through implementation.
Why this Fellowship is Unique
- Develop Your Skills and Become An Advocate & Leader: The Fellowship will begin with a month of weekly mandatory live engagements led by WHO staff and immunization subject matter experts around topics relating to rebuilding routine immunization, including catch-up vaccination, integration and life course immunization. During these sessions, Fellows will interact with experts and peers to strengthen their skills and knowledge in these critical areas.
- Craft An Implementation Plan: Throughout the live engagement series, Fellows will develop a COVID-19 recovery strategic proposal, with guidance from Fellowship facilitators and alumni. This proposal will be submitted for review and feedback.
- Receive Individualized Mentoring: Participants with strong plans will be considered for a mentorship program to work 1:1 with global experts in the field to further develop and implement their strategies and potentially publish their case studies. Final deliverables for the Fellowship will be due March 31.
- Interact with an Incredible Cohort: Fellows will join and learn from a global cohort of passionate immunization professionals who face similar obstacles and will have the opportunity to work through those challenges together.
In order to receive a certificate of completion for the program, Fellows are required to attend all live sessions, submit a strategic plan and, if accepted, participate in the mentorship program through the implementation of their plan.
Please note that this Fellowship will be available in English and French.
Who Should Apply
Are you a national or sub-national immunization professional? Are you a leader or key decision-maker on your team? Are you eager to recover your immunization program from the COVID-19 pandemic and build it back stronger to achieve the IA2030 targets? You may be a good fit for this program.
Fellowship Expectations
In addition, we ask that you commit to the following:
- Discuss the Fellowship with your supervisor and team and gain their support to participate in this program
- Attend mandatory weekly live engagements from August 29/31 to September 19/21 (60 minute sessions once a week)
- Spend time developing and refining your immunization recovery and strengthening strategic plan (2-3 hours per week for one month)
Moreover, if your plan is selected for mentorship support, we ask that you:
- Attend regular meetings with a mentor
- Begin to implement your plan, with the guidance of your mentor
- Report initial results by March 2024
We aim to recruit a gender-balanced Fellowship cohort and strongly encourage women to apply.
How to Apply
Please fill out this brief application no later than August 18.
Please note: There are limited spots, which are available on a first come, first served basis.
We hope you will join us!
