Despite excellent progress in vaccination coverage worldwide, national immunization programs (NIPs) continue to face significant challenges. These include for example, the failure to achieve coverage targets in low-performing districts and to introduce certain new and underused vaccines.
AMP is collaborating with ministries of health, WHO, and other partners to improve the performance of NIPs. The scope of our work varies, but in general, we provide support in the following areas:
- Program planning: AMP helps countries prepare for vaccine introduction taking into account immunization logistics (e.g., cold chain, health personnel and technology requirements) and financial considerations (e.g., preparation of comprehensive multi-year plans for GAVI applications).
- Program evaluation: Once a program has been implemented, it is important to assess impact and determine if goals are being achieved (e.g., increased coverage, epidemic control). This information is helpful in determining successes and failures and improving existing programs.
- Training: To enhance immunization program planning, implementation, and evaluation, AMP offers classroom and distance learning to health professionals. Topics include health economics and financing, logistics, epidemiology, and health program management. Training is delivered in the context of various projects and can last anywhere between one hour (e.g., online courses for ADVIM and SIVAC) and several days (e.g., classroom learning for EPIVAC©).
By providing support to countries to improve their NIPs, AMP is fulfilling its mission of protecting more people with more vaccines.