Empowering Communities: WHO and GAVI Alliance Host Informative Vaccination Workshop

Empowering Communities: WHO and GAVI Alliance Host Informative Vaccination Workshop

In a significant step towards enhancing immunization efforts, Kerman University of Medical Sciences recently hosted a pivotal regional workshop on vaccination and vaccine-preventable diseases. Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI Alliance), this 3-day event, held from October 10 to 12, brought together Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) officers and managers from 34 medical universities, particularly from eastern and southeastern Iran. The primary aim was to strengthen national immunization capacities, focusing on crucial areas such as planning, surveillance, and mitigating vaccine hesitancy.

The workshop was bolstered by technical support from the WHO Country Office in Iran and financial backing from GAVI. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in comprehensive training aimed at:

  • Strengthening immunization planning
  • Updating national guidelines
  • Improving cold chain management
  • Enhancing surveillance of adverse events following immunization
  • Fostering effective community engagement

High-ranking officials from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) shared insights on key priorities within the vaccination landscape. Dr. Ghobad Moradi, the Director of the Centre for Communicable Diseases Control, emphasized the vital role of vaccination in public health. He also introduced advanced topics, including the innovative use of artificial intelligence in immunization programs and strategies to improve vaccination coverage among migrant populations.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mohsen Zahraei, the National EPI Manager at MOHME, reflected on the 50-year achievements of the EPI in Iran. He detailed future plans that include:

  • Supplying influenza vaccines to key demographics
  • Organizing national and regional meetings
  • Advancing measles elimination and polio eradication
  • Expanding central cold storage facilities

The interactive nature of the workshop encouraged participants to engage in practical problem-solving. Dr. Omid Zamani, a National Professional Officer from the WHO Country Office, led a session on the global Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), which sparked dynamic discussions surrounding national priorities. Participants collaborated in groups to devise and present innovative solutions aimed at addressing regional challenges, such as vaccine hesitancy.

Additional essential topics covered included:

  • A review of the new national immunization guidelines
  • Vaccine procurement strategies
  • Surveillance systems for diseases such as meningitis, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis

An online evaluation survey conducted by WHO at the conclusion of the workshop indicated high participant satisfaction regarding the organization, content, and expertise of the trainers. Armed with updated knowledge and practical tools, attendees are now poised to share their training with provincial and local health teams, amplifying immunization efforts and supporting Iran’s commitment to achieving IA2030 targets.

Strengthening Immunization Programs Across Iran

In August, over 80 health officials and senior managers from various regions of Iran convened in Hamadan for a 3-day training of trainers (ToT) workshop aimed at enhancing immunization service delivery and improving vaccine coverage nationwide. This event was organized by Hamadan University of Medical Sciences in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME), with additional support from WHO and GAVI.

Held from July 26 to 28, this workshop attracted immunization officers from 32 medical universities, where participants refined their skills in:

  • Vaccine scheduling
  • Cold chain management
  • Monitoring adverse events following immunization
  • Risk communication to address public health concerns

Seyyed Mohsen Zahraei, the EPI Manager at MOHME, highlighted Iran’s successful 50-year history in combating infectious diseases, notably the eradication of polio and the elimination of measles. He stressed the importance of the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) in shaping immunization policies.

Dr. Omid Zamani, the head of the Communicable Diseases Department at the WHO Country Office in Iran, reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting health initiatives in Iran, emphasizing their alignment with the global Immunization Agenda 2030.

During the sessions, participants actively engaged in discussions about the local challenges they face, such as logistical difficulties in reaching remote rural communities. The online evaluation survey conducted at the end of the workshop revealed high levels of satisfaction among participants regarding the organization and content of the training, as well as the expertise of the trainers.

The knowledge and skills acquired during this workshop are expected to have a significant ripple effect, empowering participants to conduct training at the provincial and local levels, thereby enhancing the capabilities of a broader network of healthcare providers across Iran.

As efforts continue to strengthen immunization programs, the collaboration between universities, government bodies, and international organizations remains crucial in ensuring the health and safety of communities throughout the nation.

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