international Expertise

Immunization

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Partnering to Prevent Disease through Stronger, Sustainable Immunization Programs

A girl receiving a vaccine.Vaccines are imperative for preventing life-altering, potentially deadly disease in people of all ages. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this clear. We work with governments and local providers in more than 50 countries to ensure delivery of high-quality immunization programs for their communities, whether they are in hard-to-reach rural areas or fast-growing cities.

We are world leaders in building effective routine immunization systems, introducing new vaccines nationwide, and improving the quality and use of immunization data at facility levels. We are focused on underserved people who would otherwise not have access to care.

In strengthening routine immunization systems around the globe, we provide regular, reliable, and equitable access to and use of vaccines. We equip local providers with the tools and technical expertise to support and expand their programs and apply their unique knowledge to tailor solutions to local needs.

Since its emergence, we are actively engaged at the forefront of the global COVID-19 response including COVID-19 vaccine introduction. At global level, we are an advisor with the Country Readiness and Demand (CRD) working groups within the COVAX facility providing immunization expertise in the global response to COVID. We are actively supporting more than 15 countries in Africa and Southeast Asia to align and ensure a smooth introduction, effective supply chain systems, trained providers delivering immunization services at facilities and in communities, as well as targeted communications to build confidence and acceptance of the new vaccines.

Our focus is on supporting countries to create sustainable immunization programs and, as appropriate, integrating them with other services to improve reach and make the best use of resources.

Our partners include the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF.

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Urban Immunization
Increased urbanization has exacerbated a number of health concerns, including the pressing need for immunization strategies and guidelines specifically for urban populations.
We work extensively in urban settings, and have gained a nuanced understanding of the demand for and barriers to access and use of health services. We identify and understand priorities, preferences, concerns, and attitudes of urban families and those who serve them; set urban plans, policies, and targets; and allocate resources for health.
Targeted interventions—such as extended hours for health centers to accommodate working parents and strengthening community engagement around culturally acceptable health outreach services—can help to bridge the gaps.
JSI builds capacity of and strong coalitions among civil society, the private sector, and government health stakeholders, and engages civic authorities in immunization systems for sustainable and equitable vaccination of the urban poor.
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Community Partnerships
Immunization and health care services are often focused on delivery functions, rather than the people being served. We consult and coordinate with local providers and community members to jointly assess and address the barriers to access and uptake of vaccination. This includes implementing client-centered approaches and fostering links between communities and facilities to ensure outreach, mobilize volunteers, liaise with media, and inform and communicate the value of vaccination and resources that can assist caregivers, such as home-based records.
We also shape and contribute to global guidance in this area, co-authoring the WHO MLM Community Module, the Tailoring Immunization Programmes guide, and the Reaching Every District Guide.
New Vaccine Introduction
In any country, vaccine introduction requires a comprehensive effort to inform the public, reinforce the supply chain and distribution channels, and train providers to counsel and deliver the vaccines. We improve immunization program quality and integrate services with primary health care. We are supported by funders including Gavi and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to incorporate new vaccines, such as those that prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) and rotavirus, into national health systems.
We have also worked with many countries and global organizations to introduce vaccines and support initiatives against diseases such as polio, measles, and tetanus. We leverage these initiatives to strengthen routine immunization systems, continually build capabilities of local providers, and improve vaccination rates.
Developing & Managing Efficient Vaccine Supply Chains
A successful immunization service depends on an ample supply of vaccines, skilled health care providers, and a well-functioning cold chain and logistics system. An effective supply chain ensures the storage and transportation of vaccines within the required temperatures, starting from the time the vaccines leave the manufacturing plant until they reach the end-users.
We work with vaccine manufacturers and local governments and partners to create and manage efficient supply chains that enable the safe delivery and storage of vaccines at all levels. This may be in a busy city with abundant resources or a remote rural area with limited transportation and technology.
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Enhancing Leadership, Governance & Accountability
We work within the global immunization community to foster leadership potential, shape technical direction, and build high-performing teams and systems at country, regional, and global levels.
We apply our practical, on-the-ground experience to help partners re-calibrate global eradication and elimination initiatives. Additionally, we help shape immunization policies, guidelines, and strategies worldwide and at regional and sub-national levels. We participate in global technical advisory groups to inform the immunization agenda and priorities as well as the operational plans of key partners.
Data Quality Improvement & Use
Data-driven immunization programs improve access, use, and performance. We help program managers create, revise, and monitor their immunization data systems and triangulate between sources. These data can also be used to evaluate programs to determine their effectiveness and improve quality and planning of services.
We improve data gathering and analysis at national levels while addressing sub-national gaps, including in poorer-performing districts and facilities.
We strengthen the quality of data provided and used at facilities, districts, and nationally. We also provide technical support to empower health workers, community health partners, and health facilities to use their own data and indicators for real-time decision making at the point of generation.
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