The Annual Vaccinology Course for National Immunisation Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) (AVCN) is a five-day residential course designed to enhance the technical and operational capacity of NITAGs and launched in 2022 by the NITAG Support Hub. It combines didactic lectures, interactive sessions, and case studies to provide practical knowledge in vaccinology, mathematical modeling, health economics, health systems, design thinking, and evidence-informed decision-making.
Over three years, the AVCN trained 123 NITAG members from 19 African countries, with representation from WHO African and Eastern Mediterranean regions. Feedback collected through daily evaluations and After-Action Reviews highlights the course’s relevance, comprehensive content, and practical utility. Participants emphasized the value of group training, interactive methodologies, and opportunities for experience sharing. Key improvements included increased time for discussions and expanded focus on design thinking and health systems.
The AVCN addresses critical gaps in NITAG capacity building in Africa. Its tailored design and iterative improvements have established it as a model for NITAG vaccinology training globally. By fostering collaboration and building technical capacity, the AVCN contributes significantly to strengthening immunization systems in Africa and beyond.
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