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We are delighted to announce the launch of Gavi’s immunisation learning network for middle-income countries (MICs), called the Linked Immunisation Action Network (Linked). Representing an integral component of Gavi’s new strategic approach to engaging with MICs, the Linked Immunisation Action Network is an evolution of its predecessor, the Learning Network for Countries in Transition (LNCT – pronounced “linked”), which served as a platform for collaborative learning among countries transitioning out from Gavi support. LNCT brought together immunisation practitioners from over 20 countries to collectively solve problems and share lessons learned.
Building upon the success of LNCT, the reoriented network is expanding to include all countries that have transitioned from Gavi support as well as select countries that have never received Gavi support. In line with the objectives of Gavi’s MICs Approach, the Linked Immunisation Action Network will support these countries to identify practical solutions and best practices to mitigate and prevent decreases in immunisation coverage and drive sustainable introduction of key missing vaccines.
The network will continue to be facilitated by Curatio International Foundation (CIF), the Institute for Health Policy (IHP), and Results for Development (R4D). We look forward to continuing this journey with you as we work to support countries to strengthen immunisation programmes and improve sustainability and equity, and we invite you to share questions, requests, and suggestions for the reoriented network by email or on the website discussion forum.
Best regards,
Your Linked Network Facilitation Team from Gavi (Geneva), Curatio International Foundation (Tbilisi), the Institute for Health Policy (Columbo), and Results for Development (Washington, DC)
Network Updates
2021 Highlights: A Primer on Key Network Resources
We’re wrapping up the year with a round-up of some of our top resources from 2021.
- Resources catalog compiles links to all the LNCT-produced resources organized by priority topics, such as Engaging the Private Sector, Financing Immunisation Programmes, and Vaccine Hesitancy
- Hesitancy on the Frontlines blog outlines lessons learned in preparing for and responding to health care worker vaccine hesitancy
- Investing in Immunisation videos and presentation templates enable immunisation practitioners to make their best case for additional funding
- Designing Behavioral Strategies online learning modules build skills in diagnosing barriers to immunisation demand and designing interventions to address them
- Building Demand video case studies can be used for health worker capacity building and explore how to create empathy and build vaccine demand among vulnerable groups
- Getting Started guide provides an orientation on how to effectively utilize the web platform
Looking Forward to 2022 and Beyond: LNCT Reoriented to Focus on Immunisation Coverage and Vaccine Introduction
The Learning Network for Countries in Transition (LNCT) is evolving to align with Gavi’s new strategic approach to engaging with middle-income countries, specifically those that have transitioned from Gavi support as well as select countries that have never received Gavi support. Now called the Linked Immunisation Action Network, the Network will support middle-income countries to identify practical solutions and best practices to mitigate and prevent decreases in immunisation coverage and drive sustainable introduction of key missing vaccines. The Network will use innovative learning approaches including in-person and virtual learning exchanges, learning circles, in-person and virtual study tours, country twinning and pairings, and collaborative problem-solving sessions. Learn more about the reoriented network in this one-page explainer brief and check out the updated Who We Are and What We Do pages on our website, which provide more information about the reoriented network. Keep a look out for updates on new content and learning engagements coming soon!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Reoriented Network
Have questions about what the reorientation of the network means for your country? Check out these frequently asked questions.
Featured News & Resources
Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Routine Immunisation Services: Evidence of Disruption and Recovery from 170 Countries and Territories
This recent USAID-funded study assessed the impact of COVID-19 on routine immunisation, including the extent and driving factors of global disruptions in immunisation services, and the trends toward recovery from these disruptions. Explore the full study findings here.
New Microsite Explores COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-out Strategies That Have Worked Well in the WHO AFRO Region
The WHO AFRO Vaccine Pillar program has developed a new microsite containing documentation on the best practices and lessons from the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out across the region. Explore strategies that worked wellhere.
COVID-19 Digital Classroom Provides Essential Training for Health Workers
The COVID-19 Digital Classroom provides easy access to high quality information – from courses to videos to other job aids – for community-based health workers and trainers that can be used on mobile devices and shared with local communities globally. Search tools and resources in their COVID-19 Library here.
Insights from Nurses on the Frontlines of COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery
In this COVID-19 Listening & Learning Podcast episode from the Boost Network, we hear from two health workers in Lesotho and Uganda working on the frontlines of vaccine delivery. Listen to the nurses speak about their experiences delivering vaccines in countries facing supply chain constraints and vaccine hesitancy, and creative vaccine delivery ideas here.
External Events
Developing Persuasive Social Media Messaging for Vaccine Confidence
Watch the live session recording from the Boost Insights Dialogue event here to learn about strategies that communications and global health experts used to address vaccine confidence, lessons learned through campaign testing, and how to apply these results to improve campaigns.
Recordings Available from Immunisation Economics Webinar Series
Watch the recordings from Immunisation Economics Special Interest Group webinars on COVID-19 costing, routine immunisation, vaccine equity, malaria vaccination, and optimizing pandemic response, available here.
Country Spotlights
Delivering Essential Vaccines in Kenya’s Nomadic Gosha Community
Kenya’s government has been looking for ways to increase immunisation among the nomadic Gosha community who live in a remote area of northern Kenya. Learn how they’re raising awareness about vaccines to reduce the number of children who never receive a single vaccine (“zero-dose children) in this Vaccines Work story.
Churches Are Boosting Vaccination Rates in Eswatini
Eswatini has launched a campaign to encourage church members to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Check out how their campaign is helping to dispel misinformation and increase vaccination in this Vaccines Work story.
Nigerian Stars Boost COVID-19 Vaccination
How are Nigerian entertainers using their popularity to encourage fans to take the COVID-19 vaccine to curtail the spread of the disease in the country? Find out in this Vaccines Work story.