Empowering Immunization: Health Officials and Managers Unite in Transformative Training Workshop
The recent training of trainers (ToT) workshop in Hamadan aimed to significantly enhance immunization service delivery across Iran. This initiative is crucial for improving vaccine coverage and ensuring public health safety throughout the nation. Over 80 health officials and senior managers participated in this comprehensive event, which took place from July 26 to 28, 2025. Organized by the Hamadan University of Medical Sciences in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME), the workshop received support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi).
Participants in this workshop included immunization officers from 32 universities of medical sciences. They engaged in a variety of training sessions designed to boost their skills in several critical areas:
- Vaccine Scheduling: Learning how to effectively plan and manage vaccine administration.
- Cold Chain Management: Understanding the importance of maintaining proper temperature conditions for vaccine storage.
- Monitoring Adverse Events: Developing skills to track and manage any negative reactions following immunization.
- Risk Communication: Gaining strategies to effectively communicate with the public regarding health concerns.
Seyyed Mohsen Zahraei, the Essential Program on Immunization (EPI) Manager at MoHME, highlighted Iran’s impressive 50-year journey in combating infectious diseases, particularly noting the successful eradication of polio and elimination of measles. He emphasized the crucial role of the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) in shaping immunization policies in the country.
Omid Zamani, the Head of the Communicable Diseases Department at the WHO Country Office in Iran, also addressed attendees, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to supporting Iran’s health initiatives. He pointed out how these initiatives align with the global Immunization Agenda 2030.
Throughout the workshop, participants shared their insights on local challenges, particularly the logistical issues related to reaching remote and rural communities. An online evaluation survey conducted by WHO at the conclusion of the workshop indicated a high level of satisfaction among participants regarding the training organization, content, and the expertise of the trainers.
The knowledge and skills acquired from this workshop are expected to have a significant ripple effect. Participants will conduct further training at provincial and local levels, thereby empowering a broader network of healthcare providers to enhance immunization efforts across Iran.
In addition to the ToT workshop, another consultative workshop took place in June 2025, where national experts and international partners discussed strategies to advance Iran’s immunization programs. This two-day event, held from June 9-10 at the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), was designed to develop Iran’s National Immunization Strategic Plan.
This consultative workshop served as a platform for stakeholders to:
- Review and Update Strategies: Assessing the current national immunization strategies.
- Identify Challenges: Discussing obstacles that hinder effective vaccine coverage.
- Collaborate on Solutions: Exploring ways to improve vaccine distribution and administration.
Participants included representatives from various organizations such as the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, universities of medical sciences, the Iran Food and Drug Organization, the Pasteur Institute of Iran, UNICEF, and WHO. Zamani shared valuable insights from successful global immunization experiences, stressing the importance of aligning local efforts with the Immunization Agenda 2030 targets and adapting international best practices to fit the Iranian healthcare context.
Focus on local ownership and adaptation is essential to ensure that the resulting strategic plan is both practical and sustainable. The workshop also featured contributions from national leaders, including NIHR head Ali Akbari Sari, who underscored the institute’s role in providing scientific support. Zahraei reiterated the importance of tailoring operational plans to meet local conditions.
Participants engaged in specialized group discussions, outlining goals, implementation strategies, and key assessment indicators. The outcomes from these collaborative sessions are expected to shape the final version of the National Immunization Strategic Plan, which will be submitted to relevant authorities for approval.
Another important aspect discussed during the workshop was the establishment of effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and measure impact over time. WHO’s involvement in these efforts highlights its commitment to supporting Iran by leveraging global expertise to meet national health priorities.
As a dedicated partner to the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, WHO continues to provide technical guidance aimed at strengthening essential health services, particularly robust and equitable immunization programs that protect the population from vaccine-preventable diseases. The workshop was notably supported by a grant from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
