The PATH, Introducing Digital immunization information systems- Exchange and Learning (IDEAL) project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is excited to release the first lessons learned on transitioning from a paper-based immunization registry to an entirely digital system.

The case study reflects necessary partnerships in the development and scale-up of current electronic immunization registry (EIR) in Vietnam, the National Immunization Information System (NIIS). The study describes the benefits and challenges of partnerships between the Ministry of Health, PATH and Mobile Network Operator (Viettel). Both local governments, partnering NGOs and Mobile Network Operators play a vital role in the application of a software-based immunization registry, but as Vietnam’s story demonstrates there is both critical advanced planning and necessary steps to ensure these partnerships are as strong and sustainable as possible, maximizing both resources and time to increase health benefits. The study discusses the development of partnerships that enabled the successful scale-up of Vietnam’s NIIS from a pilot project to a nation-wide application. The World Health Organizations, “A practical guide for engaging with mobile network operators in Health for reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health” was used as a comparative guide in the case study, to relate Vietnam’s experience to existing EIR global resources.

The case study highlights the benefits of key partnerships in EIR implementation and drivers for cultivating partnerships from both MNO and MOH perspectives. The report also demonstrates the hurdles that Vietnam experienced, demonstrating when possible, how Vietnam was able to overcome the challenges as the country continues to transition to an entirely digital immunization registry.

The first lesson learned case study also serves as a gateway to introduce IDEAL’s new homepage on TechNet-21, where you can find all IDEAL- project reports, announcements and materials in English and Vietnamese.

Over the course of the next two years IDEAL-project will explore more lessons learned from Vietnam in the process of moving to completely digital, each zoning-in on an important aspect of the electronic immunization registry process.

IDEAL-Vietnam project would like your feedback on the first case study and first topic of our lessons learned library, “Partnering with Mobile Network Operators”:

1.) What has been some of your countries/organization’s key challenges in the identification, formation, or maintenance of a partnership with a MNO?

2.) What lessons learned or take-away message did you find most valuable for our case study?

3.) What are some lessons learned or take-away messages you think are important to share from your country/organizations experience/partnerships?

4.) What are some other global guidance documents your country/organization have used to determine best practice for forming necessary partnerships for the EIR application?

5.) What aspects from the Vietnam perspective can your own country/organization relate to in regard to the partnerships formed for EIR application? What aspects are less relatable?

6.) If the IDEAL-project could expand/revise this case study in the future what areas would be most helpful to detail further?