WASHINGTON, D.C. — Results for Development (R4D), the Curatio International Foundation (CIF) and The Institute for Health Policy (IHP) have launched the Linked Immunisation Action Network (Linked), which aims to strengthen immunization programs through peer-to-peer learning and action.
Linked will bring together immunization practitioners, policymakers and partners from middle-income countries (MICs) who are facing common immunization program challenges. Through highly participatory, and action-oriented collaborative learning approaches, Linked will support member countries to identify practical solutions and best practices to mitigate and prevent backsliding in vaccine coverage, drive the sustainable introduction of key missing vaccines, and promote increased immunization equity and sustainability.
“R4D is delighted to be facilitating Gavi’s Linked Immunisation Action Network with Curatio International Foundation and the Institute for Health Policy,” said Annette Ozaltin, a program director at R4D. “Collaborative learning and knowledge sharing has proved to be a valuable innovation, supporting countries to collectively solve problems and share lessons learned. These innovative learning approaches are ideal for bringing together countries that face similar challenges as they continue to strengthen and ensure the sustainability of their immunization programs, while improving vaccine coverage and equity and introducing new vaccines.”
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 Immunization Action Network will support these countries to identify practical solutions and best practices to mitigate and prevent decreases in immunization coverage and drive sustainable introduction of key missing vaccines.
The network will continue to be facilitated by R4D, CIF and IHP. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as we work to support countries to strengthen immunization programs and improve sustainability and equity, and we invite you to share questions, requests and suggestions for the reoriented network by email.
Linked will engage country partners to:
- Understand top immunization program challenges, including barriers and threats to maintaining high and equitable immunization coverage and sustainably introducing new vaccines.
- Facilitate peer-to-peer knowledge sharing to elevate tested solutions and best practices for strengthening immunization programming.
- Support the implementation of solutions and best practices — working with and through country partners — to address immunization program challenges.
- Strengthen skills and capacities within immunization programs.
- Capture and disseminate implementation experiences to ensure learning is shared globally and not lost.
These approaches will include in-person and virtual learning exchanges, learning circles, in-person and virtual study tours, country institutional twinning, direct country-to-country linkages, and collaborative problem-solving sessions.
This network will be made up of — and driven by — a group of in-country stakeholders, including decision-makers and technical staff from ministries of health, ministries of finance and other relevant government ministries and departments, immunization technical advisory groups, as well as country partners providing support to national immunization programs.
Linked is an evolution of the Learning Network for Countries in Transition (LNCT), a learning network operating from 2017-2021, for which R4D served as the network coordinator. LNCT supported over 20 countries transitioning from Gavi support to full domestic financing of their national immunization programs. Learn more about LNCT’s impact here.
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About Results for Development
Results for Development (R4D) is a leading non-profit 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
