WASHINGTON, D.C. — Linked Immunisation Action Network, a peer-to-peer collaborative learning network and a critical program for Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, has been extended through 2025, Results for Development announced on March 20, 2024.
The network — known simply as Linked — is co-led by Results for Development (R4D), the Tbilisi, Georgia-based Curatio International Foundation and the Sri Lanka-based Institute for Health Policy.
The network is a foundational part of the Gavi 5.0 strategy, which focuses on reaching “zero-dose” children and missed communities. Estimates suggest that by 2030, 70% of the world’s under-immunized populations will live in middle-income countries. Linked is one of the core mechanisms through which Gavi connects with, supports and influences key immunization change agents across 24 middle-income countries who have graduated from or never received Gavi’s financial assistance.
Since 2019, Linked has convened immunization practitioners, policymakers and partners from middle-income countries for a facilitated process designed to allow them to share experiences, identify common challenges to immunization programs and tap into one another’s implementation knowledge. Linked supports countries as they translate those learnings into locally driven solutions that are equitable, resilient and sustainable.
“We are so pleased that Gavi recognizes the benefits of this relatively low-cost approach to engaging immunization program leaders across many countries and supporting them to drive their own progress. We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Gavi,” R4D CEO Gina Lagomarsino said.
Linked’s two-year extension will build upon the network’s initial successes, which were catalogued in an impact brief. This brief offers evidence of meaningful policy and program impact through the Linked network.
“At R4D, we have been honing our collaborative learning approaches over the past 15 years. We’re thrilled that Linked has provided solid evidence that collaborative learning contributes to critical health outcomes,” said Program Director Elizabeth Ohadi.
Eleven Linked member countries have developed plans to translate learnings from Linked engagements to actions which strengthen their immunization programs — and nearly 90% of network countries with an action plan say they have made progress in implementation.
The learnings from Linked engagements have supported countries to strengthen the implementation of immunization program activities to improve coverage and equity, including the development of a cost-effectiveness study for the introduction of the HPV vaccine in Tunisia; strengthening the interpersonal communication skills of immunization providers in Uzbekistan; the development and operationalization of a strategy for caregiver education in Vietnam; and the integration of a zero-dose reporting mechanism in the national immunization registry in Armenia.
In a 2023 member survey, 100% of Linked member countries reported being highly satisfied with the technical quality of learning activities and resources, and more than two-thirds (71%) agreed that Linked has contributed to their progress toward sustainable and equitable immunization coverage and the sustainable introduction of new vaccines.
“Facilitating knowledge transfer and peer-to-peer exchange of good practices and lessons learned is a proven way to drive better immunization performance, as demonstrated by Linked,” said Ivdity Chikovani, research unit director at the Curatio International Foundation. Chikovani is also Linked’s country outreach lead for health policy and systems expertise.
“During the next two years, Linked will continue to provide a learning space between countries from different regions, embracing diversity and innovation,” Chikovani added.
Linked will pilot a new subnational peer learning platform in Indonesia in its next phase. It will also transition its focus from regional engagements to cross-regional and global learning engagements.
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About Results for Development
Results for Development (R4D) is a leading nonprofit global development partner. We collaborate with change agents — government officials, civil society leaders and social innovators — supporting them as they navigate complex change processes to achieve large-scale, equitable outcomes in health, education and nutrition. We work with country leaders to diagnose challenges, co-create, innovate and implement solutions built on evidence and diverse stakeholder input, and engage in learning to adapt, iterate and improve. We also strengthen global, regional and country ecosystems to support country leaders with expertise, evidence, and innovations. R4D helps country leaders solve their immediate challenges today, while also strengthening systems and institutions to address tomorrow’s challenges. And we share what we learn so others around the world can achieve results for development too. www.R4D.org
