News In this issue

News

Recent measles outbreaks point to gaps

in elimination efforts in the Americas

Nepal introduces PCV in its National

Immunization Programme

Polio Endgame: The switch from tOPV to bOPV is on track for April 2016

Republic of Moldova successfully intro-duces pneumococcal vaccine

Togo MoH and AMP Organize Pneu-mococcal Pneumonia Imm. Campaign

Argentina Highlights the Importance of Pertussis and Influenza Vaccination

during Pregnancy

Jamaica Launches Measles Prevention Campaign

AMP, with Technical Support of Villag-eReach, Launches SIIGL

Gavi Application Timelines in 2015

2 2

3

3

4

4

5

5 6

Upcoming meeting 6-7

Consultant /Staff positions 8

Meetings / workshops

Course for the Effective Management of

the EPI

Nat. WS to Evaluate Statistical Info

Systems and Internat. WS on Electronic Immunization Registries

Reg. Mtg of Bacterial Pneumonias and Sentinel Surveillance of Meningitis

Hepatitis B Birth Dose Assessment WS

Training on vaccine safety and contrain-dications for HC pro in Rep of Moldova

Nat. WS for Penta Vacc. Introduction

RI Microplanning Workshops for Sur-veillance Medical Officers

First meeting of the PAHO MIG

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Resources 15-

17

Calendar 18-19

Links 20

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

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VIEW PREVIOUS EDITIONS

For previous editions of the GIN,

visit the GIN archive on the WHO website:

www.who.int/immunization/gin

You can click on the article you are

interested in and access it directly! Nigeria Introduces the use of Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) in

its Routine Immunization (RI) Programme Bassey Bassey Okposen and Etsano Andrew, NPHCDA; Jane Bammeke and Gloria Nwulu,

UNICEF; Daniel Ali, Jeevan Makam and Rachel Seruyange, WHO; Garba Abdu and Abiola

Ojumu, CHAI

In February 2015, Nigeria

became one of the first Gavi

supported countries to in-

troduce IPV into its routine

immunization (RI) pro-

gramme. About seven million

newborns will be targeted in

2015.

It is 7 months since Nigeria

registered its last case of

Wild Polio Virus (WPV) and

the country has never come

so close to stopping trans-

mission in the history of the

Global Polio Eradication Initi-

ative (GPEI). Nigeria, Africa

and rest of the world hold its breath! Great progress has been made in the Polio Eradica-

tion Initiative (PEI) with the number of WPV cases dropping from 122 in 2012 to 6 in

2014. Immunity gaps do exist, as evidenced by the increase in the number of type 2 circu-

lating vaccine derived polio viruses (cVDPV) in security challenged north eastern States.

Within the framework of the PEI endgame strategy, the IPV introduction is fully funded by

the GPEI budget, channeled through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. DPT3/Penta3 coverage has

steadily increased from 26% to 58% between 2012 and 2013 (WUENIC 2014). Further

improvements to routine immunization are expected with the introduction of IPV, for

example, the training of more than 50,000 managers and frontline health workers, advoca-

cy and community mobilization efforts and the improved availability of data tools.

Prior to the introduction of IPV into RI and to fight the last reservoirs of WPV, Nigeria

conducted an accelerated introduction of IPV in 2014 using a campaign strategy in 3 prior-

ity states (Borno, Yobe and Kano), supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

IPV was administered to approximately 3.2 million children under 5.

Within the RI programme, eligible children will receive a single dose of IPV at 14 weeks of

age or at the first immunization contact for infants starting the RI schedule late (aged

greater than 3 months). Nigeria also introduced the pneumococcal vaccine in its RI pro-

gramme in December 2014 and looks forward to other new opportunities including rota-

virus vaccine.

A child receiving IPV from the Supervising Minister of Health,

Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria, at the

National Launch of IPV into routine immunization in Nigeria on

20th February 2015. Credit: ©NPHCDA Nigeria

Page 2

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Recent measles outbreaks point to gaps in elimination efforts in the Americas Hayatee Hasan, WHO Headquarters

Recent measles outbreaks in the United States and Brazil suggest that

immunization rates in some areas have dropped below levels needed to

prevent the spread of cases imported into the Americas.

Measles has been considered eliminated from the Americas since 2002,

due to the absence of endemic transmission of the disease. Now, mea-

sles elimination "is facing major challenges, with several ongoing impor-

tations of measles in some countries," according to an epidemiological

alert distributed to member countries across the region.

The alert urges countries to strengthen measles surveillance activities

and to "take appropriate measures to protect residents in the Americas against measles and rubella."

For more information, visit this page.

Nepal introduces Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) in its National

Immunization Programme Santosh Gurung, WHO Nepal

POKHARA, Nepal, 18 January 2015: The National Immunization Programme in Nepal achieved another mile-

stone with the introduction of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) following the recent historical addition of

Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), making it the first in the region to introduce the injectable polio vaccine.

The introduction of PCV will address one of the major killers of children, pneu-

mococcal pneumonia, along with other severe forms of pneumococcal disease

such as meningitis and bacteremia. In Nepal, it accounts for 13 percent of under-

five child deaths, making it one of the top two causes of deaths.

The launch was held at Western Regional Hospital in Pokhara and witnessed by

representatives from the Government, development partners, health facilities,

female community health volunteers, community and media.

“The Ministry of Health and Population is very proud to introduce PCV in the routine

immunization programme, with the support of GAVI, and in line with Nepal’s endorse-

ment of the Global Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diar-

rhoea,” said Honorable Minister for Health and Population, Mr. Khag Raj Adhikari, chief guest.

Nepal introduced PCV10 in line with evidence of the circulating predominant

serotypes (1, 5, 14) in 16 districts in Western region with immediate plans for

expansion. PCV 10 is scheduled to be given in three doses at six weeks, ten

weeks and nine months. This decision was aligned with recommendations

from National Committee on Immunization Practices (NCIP) and will be se-

conded by further studies in areas such as multiple injectable vaccines and

immunogenic studies.

This initiative makes Nepal in line to achieve MDG4 to reduce child mortality

by two thirds by 2015. The other new vaccines in the pipeline for introduction

are Measles-Rubella (second dose) and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccina-

tion Demonstration Programme later this year.

Young boy receiving Measles vaccine

Saina Pun, the first child to receive

PCV in Nepal. Credit : WHO,

Nepal

Honorable Minister for Health and

Population, Mr. Khag Raj Adhikari

handing over PCV to health workers.

Credit : WHO, Nepal

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Page 3

Polio Endgame: The switch from tOPV to bOPV is on track for April 2016 Lisa Menning, WHO Headquarters

In its January 2015 meeting, the WHO Executive Board called on all Member States to accelerate preparation for a

globally coordinated switch from trivalent to bivalent OPV in April 2016. The Board’s request follows the WHO

SAGE announcement in October 2014 that preparations are on track for this important milestone towards achieving

polio eradication.

The withdrawal of OPV is a critical step within objective 2 of the Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan 2013-

2018.

OPV works by using live attenuated (weakened) polioviruses to stimulate an immune response against three different

types of poliovirus (types 1, 2 and 3). Use of OPV has nearly eliminated polio from the planet, with the last case of

wild poliovirus type 2 seen in 1999. However, on very rare occasions, in countries where immunization coverage is

low, vaccine-derived polioviruses from strains initially contained in OPV can change and spread to others.

To counter this potential risk, OPVs will be removed in a phased manner, starting with the replacement of trivalent

OPV with bivalent OPV, the latter protecting against types 1 and 3. The introduction of IPV will also help to manage

risks associated with the withdrawal of the type 2 component of trivalent OPV, and help to boost immunity to types

1 and 3.

In anticipation of an April 2016 switch date, WHO has launched an updated website with new materials and guidance

for the 145 countries that use OPV. To access these materials and learn more about the switch, please click on this

link.

Republic of Moldova successfully introduces pneumococcal vaccine Catharina de Kat-Reynen, WHO EURO

Following the introduction of pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) into the routine

immunization schedule in the Republic of Moldova, an evaluation has con-

cluded that the effort progressed smoothly. The evaluation was conducted

by the Ministry of Health on 18­­-24 November 2014 with support from

WHO/Europe, the WHO Country Office and the United States Centers for

Disease Prevention and Control.

Four evaluation teams consisting of international consultants and Moldovan

staff visited seven districts across the country and administered standardized

questionnaires and interviews at the national, district and health facility lev-

els.

PCV vaccination began in October 2013 in most areas of the country, with

the exception of the Transnistria region, and was preceded by effective pre-

paratory activities to ensure that the immunization system was ready and the new vaccine would be accepted by med-

ical workers and parents. This included staff training, revision of the immunization recording and reporting system,

upgrading the cold chain and providing supportive supervision in health facilities. Information on PCV introduction

was disseminated via national and district television, radio, newspapers, public health websites, posters and brochures.

Although coverage with two doses of PCV was relatively high for the first year after introduction (estimated to reach

78% of infants by the end of 2014), this was short of the previously established target of 95%. (The third dose is ad-

ministered at 12 months of age, and therefore coverage with the third dose will be assessed in 2015.)

The evaluation team recommended that the Ministry of Health conduct regular analyses of the reasons for children

not being vaccinated at health facilities, and use the results to plan and implement measures to increase the uptake of

vaccines. To reduce the number of false contraindications, training of district and national level health care workers

was also recommended. WHO/Europe offered consultancy and financial support to conduct these trainings in Chis-

inau and Tiraspol.

Field staff who participated in the evalua-

tion of the PCV introduction in the Re-

public of Moldova. Credit: CDC/ S.

Ndiaye

Page 4

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Togo Ministry of Health and Agence de Médecine Préventive (AMP) organize

pneumococcal pneumonia immunization campaign Alice Henry-Tessier and Jennifer Moisi, Agence de Médecine Préventive (AMP)

A free catch-up immunization campaign against pneumococcal disease is being organized from 23 February to 1

March 2015 for children aged nine to 59 months in the Tône and Cinkassé districts of Togo.

With more than 90 different strains from the same bacterium, pneumococcal infection is one of the main causes of

death in children and adults worldwide. The PCV13 vaccine offers protection against the thirteen strains most com-

monly found in Togo, and was introduced into routine immunization in June 2014.

The catch-up campaign being implemented by the team from AMP’s PneumoTône project and the Togo Ministry of

Health has two aims: to vaccinate over 95% of children in the target range with PCV13 in the districts of Tône and

Cinkassé; and to measure the incidence of the disease and vaccine impact in the general population in these areas.

Children will be vaccinated free of charge in health centers and similar facilities thanks to research grants provided

by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Pfizer, with 80,000 doses of PCV13 provided by Pfizer.

Argentina highlights the importance of pertussis and influenza vaccination during

pregnancy María del Valle Juarez, Nathalia Katz, Silvina Neyro and Carla Vizzotti, National Direction for the Control of Immuno-

preventable Diseases (DiNaCEI), Ministry of Health-Argentina

Argentina is counting, as of 2015, with

19 free and mandatory vaccines in the

national vaccination schedule, meant for

all stages of life, becoming one of the

most complete schedules in the Region

of the Americas.

Pregnancy is a prioritized stage of life.

Specific strategies were created to reach

women during the gestation period, through the incorporation of free and mandatory vac-

cines, along with communication and dissemination of recommendations, with the support

of scientific societies, opinion leaders and mass media. Since 2011, the Ministry of Health of

Argentina has launched national campaigns to encourage influenza and pertussis vaccination

in the country. In addition to images and posters communicating this message, a video was published.

The purpose is to raise awareness within this population of the importance of vaccination during a vulnerable stage of

life and the benefit created by the protection transferred to the foetus through the placenta, during its first life

months. The influenza vaccine in any trimester and the triple acellular bacterial vaccine (Tdap) after the twentieth

gestational week are the fundamental pillars of this strategy.

The national coverage reached in this group with the influenza vaccine

has exceeded 90% in the last three years. With regard to Tdap vac-

cination, national coverage exceeding 67% was reached.

Epidemiological surveillance of pertussis already shows the impact of

this strategy. In 2011, prior to its beginning, 76 deaths from pertussis

were registered, a corresponding 97% of which were children less

than 12 months. In 2014, this number was reduced by 92% to only six

deaths, reflecting the lowest number of deaths due to pertussis in the

last 34 years.

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Page 5

Jamaica launches Measles prevention campaign Simone Spence, Ministry of Health-Jamaica; Karen Lewis-Bell, PAHO-Jamaica

In ensuring their commitment to PAHO Resolution CSP28.R14 to

maintain the status of measles and rubella elimination in the Region

of the Americas, and in recognition of the current risk of re-

importation of measles into the country, Jamaica on 16 February

launched a measles prevention campaign. This campaign targets

some 195,000 children aged one to six years for vaccination with

both doses of the MMR vaccine. This cohort of children includes

approximately 100,000 children aged 19 months to three years who

would not normally be expected to receive the second dose of MMR

at their age.

The campaign will be conducted through health facilities and schools

from 16 February to 8 May 2015, at a cost of JA$54.4 million.

In his address at the launch, the Minister said: “Although this cam-

paign will largely focus on the provision of the MMR vaccine including

the booster dose, it will also provide other vaccines available in the

public sector which children may have missed.” He added that “the

main objectives are to capture those who have not been fully im-

munized at their age, in order to improve immunization coverage in

Jamaica, and to provide adequate immunity in order to reduce the susceptible population for measles in children and

at the same time impact other vaccine-preventable diseases such as rubella.”

Through the success of immunization, Jamaica had the last case of locally transmitted measles in 1991 but the MMR

vaccination coverage has fluctuated from a low of 81% in 2011 to a high of 94% in 2013. The campaign target cover-

age for both doses of MMR is 95% or greater.

Minister of Health, Dr. Fenton Ferguson (center)

makes a point during the launch of the Jamaican

Ministry of Health's Measles Prevention Campaign

held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Mon-

day, February 16, 2015. Seated with the Minister

(left to right) PAHO/WHO representative to

Jamaica, Dr. Noreen Jack, Acting Chief Medical

Officer, Dr. Marion Bullock DuCasse, Permanent

Secretary, Dr. Kevin Harvey and Director, Family

Health Services, Dr. Simone Spence. Credit: Steph-

anie Shaw-Smith, PRO, Ministry of Health, Jamaica

Agence de Médecine Préventive (AMP), with technical support of VillageReach,

launches Système Informatisé d’Information de la Gestion Logistique (SIIGL) Sandy Hawley, VillageReach and Alice Henry-Tessier, Agence de Médecine Préventive (AMP)

Open Source Information System Increases Benin’s Vaccine Supply Chain Efficiency

L’Agence de Médecine Préventive (AMP) and the NGO VillageReach are working together to implement a new com-

puterized logistics management information system, Système Informatisé d’Information de Gestion Logistique (SIIGL), de-

signed to support Benin’s vaccine supply chain in the Comé Heath Zone.

This innovative information and data collection system has been adapted to fit Benin’s needs, ensuring compatibility

with a new informed push vaccine distribution system implemented by AMP’s LOGIVAC project in the Comé Health

Zone. The new vaccine supply chain has been completely reorganized and outfitted with a mobile warehouse and

solar cold chain equipment to improve the immunization programme performance. SIIGL will support the informed

push distribution system by improving data visibility at all levels of the health system, ensuring more reliable deliveries,

improved quality control, and reduced vaccine stock-outs.

The initial goal of SIIGL is to facilitate the collection of logistical data and reduce the use of paper forms and reports

as much as possible. The web-based system with off-line capability for data entry and analysis, will also support logisti-

cians in organizing the distribution and tracking the use of vaccines in the health zones and make available key immun-

ization indicators (coverage and wastage by antigen, temperature excursion, availability of cold chain equipment) im-

mediately following each distribution.

SIIGL was launched in Benin with an initial training from 28-30 January 2015, attended by logisticians from the Comé

Health Zone as well as by representatives from the Logistics department of the National Agency for Immunization

and Primary Healthcare (ANV-SSP). The pilot introduction of the system started in the Comé Health Zone in Febru-

ary 2015, for vaccine distributions at health centers.

Page 6

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Gavi Application Timelines in 2015 Romain Esperon, Gavi

Gavi has announced three application rounds in 2015 as summarized below:

* The second round with the 1 May 2015 deadline is a new round that is open only for the following types of sup-

port:

Resubmissions or new requests in exceptional circumstances for IPV support

The following types of HSS proposals:

The country will have a gap in its HSS funding if it has to wait until the last IRC round in 2015 to

apply;

The country has earlier received a recommendation of resubmission from the IRC for its HSS proposal

and is reverting with a revised proposal;

The country’s HSS proposal was screened out during the pre-IRC screening process in an earlier

round and is reverting with a revised proposal.

2015

Expression of Interest cut-off dates

Application submission cut-off dates

Independent Review Committee dates

Gavi CEO or Executive Committee / Board Decision

For all types of Gavi support

Not applicable 25 January 2015 16-27 March 2015 June 2015

New requests and resubmissions for IPV support, and specific types of

HSS support*

Not applicable 1 May 2015 22-26 June 2015 September 2015

New requests, for

any type of Gavi support (excluding IPV)

8 May 2015 8 September 2015 6 – 20 November 2015 Early March 2016

SAVE THE DATES: 14th TechNet Consultation in Thailand – 12-14 May 2015 Patrick Lydon, WHO Headquarters

The TechNet is a global technical network of professionals and practitioners committed to strengthening immun-

ization services in developing countries – a network established since 1990 with WHO as its Secretariat. Since its

creation, members of the network meet face-to-face every two years in order to discuss key immunization imple-

mentation challenges. Since 2001, the TechNet consultation has rotated the venue across the six WHO regions.

The South-East Asia region (SEAR) previously hosted the eighth TechNet Consultation in New Delhi, India in

2001. Next year the TechNet Consultation returns to SEAR and will be organized in Thailand be-

tween 12-14 May 2015.

The theme of the 14th TechNet Consultation will be: Immunization Supply Chain and Logistics:

Current Challenges, Innovations and Future Prospects and will be co-organized by WHO and UNICEF as

part of the immunization supply chain and logistics Hub. The consultation is expected to cover topics such as vac-

cine and cold chain innovations; promising approaches for improved vaccine distribution; temperature monitoring

technologies and practices; innovative last-mile transportation systems; human resources for logistics challenges;

advances in data systems for vaccine stock control; new policies/guidance and tools for effective vaccine manage-

ment; and immunization supply chain improvement planning.

In addition, the consultation will host a Manufacturers Marketplace where new cold chain equipment and technol-

ogies can be demonstrated and presented to participants.

The expected outcomes of the consultation are to: Provide evidence and information on the current challenges

and innovative strategies or practices that can positively impact vaccine supply chain logistic systems in national

immunization programmes; Share experiences from the field relating to immunization supply chain and logistics

within the context of new vaccine introductions; and Stimulate dialogue and debate on the development and im-

plementation of best practices in vaccine management.

Please keep an eye out for updates on the 14th Consultation through the TechNet website.

Upcoming meeting

Page 7

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Global Protect, Innovate and Accelerate (PIA) Immunization Meeting 2015

This year’s meeting, hosted by WHO EURO, will take place in Sitges (Barcelona), Spain from Tuesday 23 June to

Thursday 25 June 2015.

A retreat for WHO and UNICEF staff is tentatively scheduled on Monday 22 June 2015.

Further Partner Satellite Meetings will be scheduled on Monday 22 June 2015 and/or Fridaz 26 June 2015.

More details, including agenda, meeting venue, and travel information will be shared in due course.

Workshop on "National Immunization Programme and Vaccine Coverage in ASEAN

countries"

Usa Thisyakorn, Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of Thailand

Location: Pattaya, Thailand

Date: 30 April 2015

Participants: Twenty participants representing 10 countries from ASEAN (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Ma-

laysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam), who are the Presidents and key opinion

leaders in Pediatric Infectious Disease Societies.

Purpose: General: To promote sharing of knowledge and collaboration among the ASEAN countries in the

prevention and control of pediatric infectious diseases. Specific objectives: 1. To share an update on the global situation and key interventions on vaccination. 2. To share updates on immunization programmes and the vaccine coverage in each ASEAN country. 3. To support and encourage quality research in pediatric infectious diseases in ASEAN countries. 4. To promote collaboration among the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society and experts in the Region.

Details: The workshop sessions will include: - A keynote speech entitled “Vaccination for all ages” (Dr Jean-Marie Okwo-Bele, The World Health

Organization). - A workshop session inviting the President of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society and the Presi-

dent of the Pediatric Society from each country to present on their national immunization programme. - A session on country reports from ASEAN countries for comment by experts in order to promote

and encourage quality research. The goal of the workshop is to exchange information on the national immunization programmes and

the sharing of research results from countries in the Region. This will be useful for delegates attending

the workshop to share best practices, to support national programme planning, as well as to promote

collaboration among countries. Quality research will be encouraged in countries of the Region. The

outcomes of the workshop will be included in an article published in a peer-review journal, to guide

policy makers, programme managers and scientists working in this field. The ultimate goal of the workshop is to improve the health of children affected by infectious diseases,

the fastest growing health burdens the world is facing.

Page 8

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Meetings/Workshops

Call for consultant – OPV Switch

For more information, click on this direct link to the vacancy notice. The deadline for application is 03 March

2015.

Call for consultant - Vaccine Safety Net (VSN) and PIP framework

One position is open, with the following expertise needed:

University degree in biomedical science and public health with good knowledge of vaccine safety and vigilance

issues (past and current);

Working with relevant technical and programmatic teams in WHO; In-depth knowledge and experience with the management of the VSN project;

Experience in web site design, development, and evaluation;

In-depth knowledge of the PIP framework, the PIP partnership contributions, and the PIP implementation plan

for regulatory capacity building in priority countries; Preparation of written documents and reports (in English and one other official UN language) that align WHO

institutional priorities; Organization, implementation and facilitation of workshops and trainings.

To access the TORs, please click here.

Only selected candidates will be contacted (individually) by the WHO Secretariat.

CV should be submitted to WHO/SAV/GVS by electronic mail ONLY with title as follow: Call for consultant

VSN/PIP

The deadline for receipt of CVs is 10 March 2015.

Consultant - Staff Positions Available

Course for the Effective Management of the Expanded Programme on Immun-

ization (EPI)

Martha Velandia, PAHO-Washington, DC; Hannah Kurtis, PAHO-Washington, DC; Fernando Muñoz Porras,

Ministry of Health-Chile; Pamela Burgos, Ministry of Health-Chile

Location: Metropolitan Region, Santiago de Chile

Date: 2-4 December 2014

Participants: Six course facilitators and 60 individuals from across Chile who have the responsibility of managing

and implementing the country’s immunization programme at the national, regional and local levels.

Purpose: • To serve as a learning opportunity for the technical staff of the Chilean national immunization

programme to review the latest information on topics including EPI diseases and vaccines, cold

chain issues, programming, data quality and supervision, monitoring and evaluation. • To analyze the current challenges, available resources and performance of the EPI, in order to

optimize planning, verify coverage and improve the quality of immunization services that are of-

fered.

Details: The EPI Management Course was carried out in the village of Cuncumen, in the greater Metropoli-

tan Region of Santiago, Chile at the request of authorities from the national programme. Five out of

six course modules were covered during the three days, including 1. EPI Diseases, II. EPI Vaccines,

III.Cold Chain, V. Programming Immunization Activities and VI. Supervision, Monitoring and Evalua-

tion. A mixed methodology was used during the course, including facilitator-led presentations and

individual and group work. There were also many opportunities for discussion throughout the

course, to allow participants to share their own experiences and lessons learned.

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Page 9

National workshop to evaluate statistical information systems and international

workshop on electronic immunization registries

Javier Vargas, Ministry of Health-Peru; Manuel Loayza, Karim Pardo and Washington Toledo, Ministry of

Health-Peru; Fabiana Michel, PAHO-Peru; Carolina Danovaro, PAHO-Washington, DC

Location: Huacho, Peru

Date: 2-4 December 2014

Partici-

pants:

Peru’s Vice-Minister for Public Health; Repre-

sentatives of Peru’s Ministry of Health (MOH)

Office of Statistics and informatics and the

Immunization Strategy; Statistics representa-

tives from each Region; representatives from

the MOH of Brazil and Ecuador, and from the

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

Some participants from the workshops on statistical infor-

mation systems and electronic immunization registries in

Huacho, Peru, January 2015

Purpose: To share the results related to data quality and information systems and the recommendations on these

issues from the International EPI review led by PAHO in October 2014; and to discuss data issues from

different programmes and statistical systems, as well as results from recent Demography Health Surveys

(DHS) and share new guidelines. A sub-group had a parallel workshop to 1) discuss some of the innovative immunization data analysis

done in Peru and the implementation of a national registry of children 0-6 years and its implications for

the development of an electronic immunization registry (EIR), and; 2) agree on the objectives and the

format for PAHO new field guide on EIR.

Details: Over the course of three days, the responsible focal points for health statistics from all regions met to

evaluate and discuss several of the country’s health information sub-systems, including the results and

recommendations from an international EPI review/data quality assessment that took place in October

2014. Some highlights of the 2014 review on the Health Information System (HIS) included that the HIS is

the only recognized system for health statistics (including immunization data), via a decree and has clear

norms; the information produced by the HIS is used for decision-making; and that the Ministry of Finances

uses the data produced from the HIS to measure goals and help provide performance-based incentives. The MOH has a data quality improvement plan that will now be adapted to include data reviewed at the

health facility level, as done during the 2014 EPI review/data quality assessment. On EIR, Peru has devel-

oped an innovative national child registry, which is updated at the municipal level as a collaborative effort

between health, civil registration and other local actors. This registry will serve as the base for developing

individual-based health registries, including and EIR. At the end of the meeting, each region had a work

plan and PAHO had a new draft of an EIR field guide.

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Page 10

Regional meeting of Bacterial Pneumonias and sentinel surveillance of Meningitis

Lucia Helena de Oliveira, PAHO-Washington DC

Loca-

tion:

Panama City, Panama

Date: 10-11 December 2014

Partici-

pants:

Eighty participants representing twelve countries

(Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecua-

dor, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Para-

guay, Peru, and Venezuela), the Pan-American Health

Organization (PAHO), Sabin Vaccine Institute, and

the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC)

Participants of the Regional Meeting of Bacterial Pneu-

monias and Sentinel Surveillance of Meningitis, Panama,

December 2014

Purpose: To share national experiences about the sentinel surveillance at regional and national level; review the

performance of the laboratories; plan activities to improve data quality of surveillance according to the

global surveillance network of bacterial pneumonias and meningitis (IBD) and rotavirus; present the

results of rotavirus vaccine impact studies in the Americas Region

Details: Ten countries in the Region have implemented sentinel surveillance of IBD and 16 have implemented

rotavirus sentinel surveillance. The regional results of the IBD and rotavirus surveillance were present-

ed, discussing challenges and strengths. Also three sentinel hospital from 2 countries (Nicaragua and

Honduras) presented results of IBD surveillance. The focus of the meeting was to discuss potential ap-

proaches to improving data quality generated by sentinel sites with epidemiologists and laboratory pro-

fessionals. The indicators that the countries should reach in order to be part of the Global Surveillance

Network were emphasized. The main challenge for 2015 is to implement the case database at sentinel

sites at the national level. It was concluded that the regional network (37 IBD sentinel sites and 74 ro-

tavirus sentinel site) had noted many achievements in 2013, but it is important to assure the quality of

the information in order to use this for the vaccines impact assessment.

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Page 11

Hepatitis B Birth Dose assessment workshop

Karen Hennessey, WHO Headquarters

Location: Brazzaville, Congo

Date: 3-5 February 2015

Participants: Immunization (IVE) focal points from WHO

Country Offices in seven of the eight countries in

the African Region that have introduced hepatitis

B birth dose vaccination as part of their national

immunization programmes (Algeria, Botswana,

Gambia, Mauritania, Namibia, Nigeria, and Sao

Tome Principe), IVE and Maternal Newborn and

Child Health (MNCH) focal points from WHO

AFRO, and the three Intercountry Support

Teams (East and Southern, West, and Central),

WHO HQ, the US Centres for Disease Control

and Prevention, and four international independ-

ent consultants.

Participants at the WHO Hepatitis B Birth Dose Assess-

ment Workshop, Brazzaville, Congo, 3-5 February 2015

Purpose: To bring together the countries that have already adopted birth dose vaccination to learn about their

experiences and build capacity for birth dose introduction or strengthening. In addition, consultants

were trained to conduct country assessments of birth dose vaccination policies, strategies, and prac-

tices.

Details: The 2014 WHO African Regional Committee adopted a resolution to control viral hepatitis B infec-

tion by reducing chronic hepatitis B prevalence to less than 2% in children under five in all Members

States by 2020. A key strategy for reaching this goal is to prevent mother-to-child transmission of

hepatitis B virus through timely delivery of hepatitis B vaccine at birth followed by at least 2 routine

doses. However, to date only eight countries in the Region have reported nationwide delivery of hep-

atitis B birth dose vaccination. The Regional Immunization Strategic Plan for 2014-2020 set a target for

at least 25 countries to introduce nationwide hepatitis B birth dose by the end of 2020. The workshop focused on the many unique aspects to planning and introducing birth dose vaccination,

including the critical need to administer the vaccine soon after birth to prevent mother-to-child virus

transmission, and the need for joint implementation by EPI and MNCH programmes to ensure timely

vaccination and reach to home births. The workshop was well-received by the participants and created a lively discussion around the room.

There was strong agreement by all for the need to integrate and collaborate with MNCH colleagues

and to monitor timely birth dose vaccination (vaccine administered within 24 hours after birth). Coun-

tries are enthusiastic to conduct birth dose assessments, document findings and share lessons learned.

Consultants were trained in the proposed methodology and survey questionnaire for the assessments.

It is expected that, with support from WHO and CDC, three to four birth dose assessments will be

conducted within the next six months.

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Page 12

Training on vaccine safety and contraindications for health care professionals in

the Republic of Moldova Catharina de Kat-Reynen, WHO EURO

Location: Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

Date: 2-4 December 2014

Partici-

pants:

Leading medical scientists, clinicians and medical

specialists from medical schools, hospitals, large out-

patient clinics as well as immunization programme

personnel from Chisinau, Tiraspol and sub-regions

participated in the training, which was conducted by

the National Immunization Programme; WHO

Country Office; WHO Regional Office for Europe;

and the Genetics, Vaccines, Infections and Pediatrics

Research Group, Área Integrada de Pediatría, Hospi-

tal Clínico Universitario de Santiago, Spain.

(From left) Trainers (F. Martinón-Torres and I.

Rivero Calle) of the WHO course on vaccine safety

and contraindications together with S. Gheorhita,

the Deputy Director of the Public Health Center

and A. Melnic, National Immunization Programme

Manager, Republic of Moldova. Credit: WHO

Purpose: To address the vaccine safety concerns underlying false contraindications in the context of recently

introduced rotavirus and pneumococcal vaccines, training materials were developed and training

workshops were held, led by Professor Martinón-Torres and Dr Irene Rivero Calle.

Details: The Republic of Moldova introduced the rotavirus vaccine in July 2012 and pneumococcal vaccine in

October 2013. Both introductions proceeded smoothly and health care professionals and the public

in general accepted the new vaccines well. However, one year after the introduction of rotavirus

vaccine, only 65% of infants were fully immunized against rotavirus, and coverage with pneumococcal

vaccine was also lower than the targeted 95% by the end of the first year. False contraindications provided by medical specialists and family physicians were responsible for

many infants not being vaccinated. Short- and long-term contraindications delay all vaccinations and

leave infants unprotected against rotavirus due to maximum age restrictions for rotavirus vaccination. Through the training, participants improved their understanding of: existing mechanisms and processes ensuring vaccine quality and safety; the impact of vaccines and the role of timely vaccination and high coverage; possible adverse events following immunization (AEFIs), including temporary versus casual associa-

tions between AEFIs and vaccination; true and false contraindications to each vaccine included in the national immunization schedule.

As a follow up, WHO will develop a manual for the training materials and provide support to the NIP

in conducting further cascade trainings at sub-regional level.

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Page 13

Towards the goal of country-wide expansion of pentavalent vaccine roll-out in India –

National Workshop for Pentavalent Vaccine Introduction

Pankaj Bhatnagar and Balwinder Singh, WHO Country Office for India

Location: New Delhi, India

Date: 26 September 2014

Participants during the workshop

Participants: One hundred participants: Mission Directors of National Health Mission and State Immunization Offic-

ers, field medical officers of the National Polio Surveillance Project of WHO India as well as other

partner organizations from the 12 states where the next phase of pentavalent introduction is planned. The meeting was co-hosted by WHO India and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW),

Government of India (GoI), and facilitated by experts from WHO, UNICEF and MoHFW, GoI. The

Additional Secretary/Mission Director, National Health Mission, MoHFW, GoI, WHO Representative

to India and UNICEF Country Representative also participated.

Purpose: a) Facilitate the expansion of pentavalent vaccine in 12 additional states of India; b) Build the capacity of

state programme managers for the introduction of pentavalent vaccine, including organizing state and

district workshops, completing trainings of district and sub-district staff involved in the vaccination pro-

gramme and managing vaccines and logistics; c) Disseminate key lessons learnt from the

recently conducted post-introduction evaluation (PIE) of pentavalent vaccine and to apply the learnings

in the 12 states.

Details: The introduction of Hib-containing pentavalent vaccine is a major public health tool in the prevention

of life-threatening diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis caused by the organism Haemophilus influ-

enzae type b. The pentavalent vaccine was being used in eight states of India at the beginning of 2014.

As part of its scale-up, , 12 additional states were identified by the programme for the introduction of

the vaccine in 2014. The national workshop was organized to orient the programme managers and

policy makers of these states in the technical and operational issues relevant to the introduction of a

new vaccine. The revised operational guidelines for the launch of the pentavalent vaccine were released and dis-

cussed during the workshop. The states had come prepared with a self-review of their preparedness

for introduction of the vaccine through standardized self-assessment checklists that had been shared

prior to this workshop. Common weaknesses identified during the preparedness assessment were

discussed and solutions identified. The workshop also focused on capacity building for frontline work-

ers on interpersonal communication skills to ensure that the right messages are given to caregivers.

Plans were made for conducting similar workshops at state and district levels for immunization officers,

medical officers, cold chain handlers, data handlers and IEC officials, and at block level for health work-

ers and mobilizers prior to introduction of the pentavalent vaccine. Following the national workshop, a total of 270 district immunization officers, 881 medical officers, 855

data handlers, 570 cold chain/vaccine handlers and 590 IEC managers were trained during the state

workshops. Seven states (Bihar, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and West Ben-

gal) have successfully launched the pentavalent vaccine as of January 2015, while the remaining five

states (Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Telangana) are likely to complete the pre-

paratory process and introduce the vaccine by March 2015.

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Page 14

Strengthening Routine Immunization (RI) in Uttar Pradesh, India – RI

Microplanning Workshops for Surveillance Medical Officers

Dr Pankaj Bhatnagar and Dr Leonard Machado, WHO Country Office for India

Location: Lucknow and Ghaziabad, India

Date: 17-19 December 2014 21-23 December 2014

Participants: Ninety seven participants that

included sub-regional team lead-

ers and surveillance medical offic-

ers from the Uttar Pradesh re-

gion of the National Polio Sur-

veillance Project of WHO India.

The workshop was facilitated by

the country team from the im-

munization cluster of WHO In-

dia.

Participants during the workshop

Purpose: Effective microplanning for routine immunization is the foundation for strengthening the service

delivery mechanism. It also enables effective identification and mobilization of vaccine beneficiaries.

The routine immunization microplanning workshops were conducted with the objective of building

the capacity of surveillance medical officers from the Uttar Pradesh region of the National Polio

Surveillance Project of WHO India for undertaking trainings at district and sub-district levels in

preparing robust and complete microplans for routine immunization.

Details: Monitoring of routine immunization has identified weak microplans as one of the reasons for sub-

optimal immunization coverage in India. The state of Uttar Pradesh accounts for nearly a third of

the more than 8 million unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children in the country. To address

this gap, WHO India developed a two-day training programme focusing on key processes for

strengthening routine immunization microplans. The training curriculum included individual and group exercises on the use of routine immunization

data to identify and prioritize blocks for targeted activities to strengthen coverage; review of RI

microplan components and comparisons with polio microplans to identify gaps; generating the cov-

erage monitoring chart; identification of primary health center specific and microplan related issues.

Another set of exercises included table-top simulations targeted at developing and updating due

lists of beneficiaries, calculating injection loads and preparing sub-center RI microplans; and priori-

tizing and presenting RI issues at the district and health center levels. The exercises led to an exchange of ideas and created an environment for active learning. During

the workshop, participants were also oriented on next steps in transitioning WHO’s polio services

to strengthen routine immunization; project implementation plans (PIP) in routine immunization;

and use of the district-level RI assessment checklist. In appreciating the organization of the workshops, Dr Nata Menabde, WHO Representative to

India, said that these workshops are an important component of polio legacy planning in India. As a next step, capacity-building of surveillance medical officers will be followed by trainings for

government district medical officers. Together, they will be instrumental in ensuring revision of

routine immunization microplans in the state of Uttar Pradesh as envisaged by the state govern-

ment and WHO India.

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Page 15

Resources

First meeting of the PAHO Maternal Immunization Working Group (PAHO MIG)

Cristina Pedreira and Alba María Ropero, PAHO-Washington, DC

Location: Washington, DC

Date: 11-12 February 2015

Participants: PAHO/WHO, CDC, Universidad Santa Casa de Sao Pablo, EPI Honduras, EPI Argentina, CLAP

(Centro Latino Americano de Perinatología), Emory University

Purpose: 1. To formalize the development of the PAHO MIG and refine its terms of reference; 2. To review the technical recommendations and evidence for the PAHO MIG guide; 3. To discuss an outline proposal for the PAHO MIG guide; 4. To agree on necessary steps to develop the PAHO MIG guide; and 5. To agree on channels and frequency of communications of the PAHO-MIG.

Details: During a first umbrella session, we reviewed the purpose and vision of the PAHO MIG, the regional

recommendations for antenatal care, an evidence update on maternal immunization, and the WHO

SAGE recommendations on maternal immunization. Additionally, two separate initiatives were pre-

sented for discussion. One of them was the WHO guide on MaternaI Influenza Immunization, which is

currently under development and was presented for the PAHO MIG to understand its scope, and to

ensure alignment and consistency with the PAHO MIG guide. The second initiative was the strategy

and Plan of Action for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and congenital syphilis

in the Americas, highlighting lessons learned from the implementation of this initiative.

The status of influenza vaccination in pregnant women in the PAHO region, and two country experi-

ences (Argentina and Honduras) were reviewed. The preliminary results of two country studies on

birth outcomes related to maternal influenza vaccination (Laos and Nicaragua) were shared.

The SAGE and PAHO TAG recommendations on pertussis immunization, and how countries imple-

ment or adapt these recommendations, including two specific country experiences (Argentina and

Brazil) were reviewed, as well as the history and current status of pertussis disease and immunization

in the U.S.

The guide’s chapters were discussed and its basic objectives, audiences, and general structure were

agreed. The meeting finished with a discussion on a timeline for PAHO MIG guide development, next

steps and commitments.

The Right Shot: Bringing down barriers to affordable and adapted vaccines Kate Elder, Médecins sans Frontières

MSF releases 2nd edition of The Right Shot: Bringing down barriers to affordable and adapted vaccines

(January 2015)

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Access Campaign has recently released the second edition of

its report on vaccine pricing, The Right Shot: Bringing down barriers to affordable and adapted vac-

cines (January 2015). The report looks at available vaccine price information by procurement

agency, manufacturer, country, and antigen. It brings together approximately 1,500 vaccine

price data points from organisations including UNICEF, the Pan American Health Organization

(PAHO), governments, vaccine manufacturers and MSF’s own supply centres to analyse one of

the key barriers to vaccine access: unaffordable prices. The report is one of the most compre-

hensive publications on comparative vaccines prices available, bringing together in one place

information on 16 key vaccines across 13 countries.

The report also includes nine Vaccine Product Cards, which include information on disease burden, WHO recom-

mendations, administration schedules, product characteristics, pipeline products, access challenges, prices and afforda-

bility.

To download the report – available in English and French – please visit this website.

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Page 16

Honduras Deworming Campaign Video Sebastian Oliel, Harold Ruiz and Octavia Silva, PAHO-Washington, DC

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) along with the former Canadian International Development

Agency (CIDA-Canada), now the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development-Canada published an

informational campaign video from 2014 about deworming efforts in Honduras carried out by the Ministry of

Health and PAHO. The video, titled “Healthy Children without Worms: Deworming Campaign in Honduras”

communicates the reason behind the campaign as the elimination of “neglected diseases” in the country, with the

concrete goal of reducing the prevalence of intestinal parasitism.

After initially conducting a pilot study in one municipality and expanding efforts to seven municipalities the follow-

ing year, deworming gained national traction in Honduras as of 2014. Approximately 43% of children in Honduras

are infected with parasites. Parasitism can have a variety of symptoms, including malnutrition; gastrointestinal, der-

matological, respiratory, and viral problems; among others.

PAHO and the Ministry of Health have collaborated significantly in preparing comprehensive operational plans for

regions in Honduras to fight these diseases. Along with PAHO providing technical assistance, the Department of

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development-Canada has contributed funds for the development and implementation

of activities to continue deworming efforts at the national level.

In order to expand the effort’s reach, the Ministry of Health decided early on to deworm the preschool popula-

tion during the country’s national vaccination campaign. This was well-received by communities as it eased access

to health services. Additionally, the country’s national campaign to deworm schoolchildren between ages 5-14,

which was carried out with help from the Ministry of Education and the Healthy Schools program, reached ap-

proximately 1.3 million children and about 80,000 preschool children (4-5 years old). Deworming children be-

tween 2-4 years old was integrated into the country’s national vaccination campaign.

The deworming campaign’s success can be seen in the absence or reduction of diarrhea outbreaks due to para-

sites as of March and April 2014. The campaign video can be seen at this link.

Updated guidance on the use of meningococcal A conjugate vaccines in routine

immunization of infants and young children

In an updated position paper published in the Weekly

Epidemiological Record, WHO emphasizes the im-

portance of completing mass vaccination campaigns in

individuals aged one to 29 years in all countries in the

African meningitis belt, and the need to conduct high

quality surveillance and vaccine programme evaluation

in those countries.

WHO recommends that countries completing mass

vaccination campaigns introduce meningococcal A con-

jugate vaccine into the routine childhood immunization

programme within one to five years following campaign

completion, along with a one-time catch-up campaign

for children born since the initial mass vaccination

campaign who would not be within the age range tar-

geted by the routine immunization programme.

A position paper on meningococcal vaccines was published in 2011 and its recommendations remain valid. The

updated guidance adds to the previous recommendations specifically concerning routine immunization of infants

and young children in the meningitis belt with meningococcal A conjugate vaccine, following discussions at the

October 2014 meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on immunization.

For more information, visit this page.

Credit: WHO/AFRO

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Page 17

Report: IVAC VIMS Report on Global Vaccine Introduction – January 2015 (now with

IPV)

The following report displays data and figures on the introduction status of Hib vaccine,

pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), rotavirus vaccine, and inactivated polio vaccine

(IPV)* both globally and in 73 Gavi countries (currently eligible and graduating countries).

It uses information stored in the Vaccine Information Management System (VIMS) online

database maintained by IVAC at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

and supported by Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance; the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; and

The Task Force for Global Health. The images and text describe: the number of countries

that have introduced each vaccine or plan to in the future, global and Gavi rates of vaccine

coverage and access, historical trends in the rate of global vaccine introduction, and the

introduction status of every country individually. The report concludes with a more de-

tailed description of VIMS and its potential uses.

January 2015 Rotavirus and Invasive Bacterial Diseases bulletins Jillian Murray, WHO Headquarters

The World Health Organization-coordinated Rotavirus and Invasive Bacterial Vaccine Preventable Disease surveil-

lance networks have reported data globally since 2008 as part of the new and under-utilized vaccine preventable dis-

eases surveillance network. The data is assessed for trends in diseases in hospitalized children less than five years of

age and published bi-annually as surveillance bulletins. The data is also used by Ministries of Health for decisions on

vaccine introduction and use. The January 2015 bulletins have been published and include clinical surveillance data

from hospitals globally and results from the Reference Laboratories for 2013.

Among sentinel sites meeting performance inclusion criteria in the rotavirus surveillance network, rotavirus

positivity among children <1 year of age was 17% in WHO Member States that had introduced vaccine prior to 2013

as compared to 46% in WHO Member States that had not introduced vaccine (Figure).

The bulletins can be found at this link.

**Inclusion criteria: 1) Reported data for each month of the 12 month period, and 2) tested stool specimens

from > 50 children in Member States that introduced rotavirus vaccine or > 100 children in Member States that

have not introduced rotavirus vaccine.

**17 Member States introduced rotavirus vaccine; 25 Member States have not introduced rotavirus vaccine

Data from the WHO-coordinated Global Rotavirus Surveillance Network as at October 2014.

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Page 18

Calendar 2015

March

3-4 Inaugural Conference of The International Association of Immunization Managers Istanbul, Turkey

9-13 AFRO East and South EPI Programme Managers’ Meeting Harare, Zimbabwe

16-20 AFRO West EPI Programme Managers’ Meeting Ouagadougou, Burkina

Faso

16-20 5th Meeting on Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Laboratory Network in the West-

ern Pacific Region

Nadi, Fiji

16-27 Gavi Independent Review Committee (IRC) for new proposals Geneva, Switzerland

19 USAID Immunization Partners' meeting Washington DC, USA

April

14-16 Meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization Geneva, Switzerland

20-25 European Immunization Week EURO

27-29 21st EMR Regional Working Group on Gavi Djibouti

May

4-5 Gavi Programme & Policy Committee Geneva, Switzerland

11-13 Gavi High Level Review Panel (HLRP) Geneva, Switzerland

11-15 2015 Technet Consultation TBD, Thailand

18-23 68th World Health Assembly Geneva, Switzerland

30-2May 9th International Conference on Typhoid and other invasive salmonellosis Bali, Indonesia

June

8-12 WPRO Twenty-Fourth Meeting of the Technical Advisory

Group on Immunization and Vaccine-Preventable

Diseases (TAG)

Manila, Philippines

10-11 Gavi Alliance Board Meeting Geneva, Switzerland

15-19 SEARO Technical Advisory Group Meeting New Delhi, India (?)

23-25 Protect-Innovate-Accelerate (PIA) Meeting Sitges, Spain

29-2 Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network Meeting Geneva, Switzerland

July

20-24 Gavi High Level Review Panel (HLRP) Geneva, Switzerland

September

1-2 EURO VPI Programme Managers’ Meeting Antwerp, Belgium

3-4 EURO Polio EPI and Lab Managers’ Meeting Antwerp, Belgium

30-2

Oct

European Technical Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (ETAGE) Copenhagen, Denmark

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015

Page 19

October

7-8 Gavi Programme and Policy Committee Geneva, Switzerland

14-16 Gavi High Lever Review Panel (HLRP) Geneva, Switzerland

20-22 Meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization Geneva, Switzerland

November

6-20 Gavi Independent Review Committee (IRC) for new proposals Geneva, Switzerland

December

2-3 Gavi Board Meeting Geneva, Switzerland

Page 20

WHO Regional Websites Routine Immunization and New Vaccines (AFRO)

Immunization (PAHO)

Vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization (EMRO)

Vaccines and immunization (EURO)

Immunization (SEARO)

Immunization (WPRO)

Newsletters Immunization Monthly update in the African Region (AFRO) Immunization Newsletter (PAHO) The Civil Society Dose (GAVI CSO Constituency) TechNet Digest RotaFlash (PATH) Gavi Programme Bulletin (Gavi)

Organizations and Initiatives American Red Cross Child Survival Agence de Médecine Préventive Africhol EpiVacPlus LOGIVAC Project SIVAC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Polio Global Vaccines and Immunization Johns Hopkins International Vaccine Access Center Vaccine Information Management System JSI Africa Routine Immunization Systems Essentials Project IMMUNIZATIONbasics Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program (MCHIP) PAHO ProVac Initiative PATH Vaccine Resource Library Rotavirus Vaccine Access and Delivery Malaria Vaccine Initiative Meningitis Vaccine Project RHO Cervical Cancer

Sabin Vaccine Institute Sustainable Immunization Financing UNICEF Immunization Supplies and Logistics USAID Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program WHO Department of Immunization, Vaccines & Biologicals New and Under-utilized Vaccines Implementation ICO Information Centre on HPV and Cancer Immunization financing Immunization service delivery Immunization surveillance, assessment and monitoring SIGN Alliance Other Coalition Against Typhoid Dengue Vaccine Initiative European Vaccine Initiative Gardasil Access Program Gavi the Vaccine Alliance International Association of Public Health Logisticians International Vaccine Institute Measles & Rubella Initiative Multinational Influenza Seasonal Mortality Study TechNet-21 Vaccines Today

UNICEF Regional Websites Immunization (Central and Eastern Europe)

Immunization (Eastern and Southern Africa)

Immunization (South Asia)

Immunization (West and Central Africa)

Child survival (Middle East and Northern Africa)

Health and nutrition (East Asia and Pacific)

Health and nutrition (Americas)

Links

Global Immunization News (GIN) February 2015