Although it has long been known that prevention of disease through immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions in history, immunization rates remain low in many parts of the world, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. One major reason for this is limited immunization management capacity in many African countries. In response to this challenge, Merck launched the Merck Vaccine Network-Africa (MVN-A), a ten-year philanthropic initiative that provided customized, hands-on training to immunization managers in Kenya, Mali, Uganda, and Zambia. Between 2003 and 2012, the program trained more than 1,600 vaccine delivery workers.
Download FSG’s newest global health report to learn more about Merck’s experience designing and supporting MVN-A: Boosting the Immunization Workforce: Lessons from the Merck Vaccine Network – Africa. Sponsored by The Merck Company Foundation, the report includes a summary of the impact achieved by MVN-A, while also describing seven forward-looking lessons that can increase the effectiveness and sustainability of programs to build the capacity of the vaccine workforce in developing countries.
By sharing these lessons, we aim to help others in their work to improve the delivery of immunizations around the world. Please help us by sharing the report with your contacts working in immunization, health worker training, and healthcare capacity-building more broadly.
Read the report: Boosting the Immunization Workforce: Lessons from the Merck Vaccine Network – Africa.
