Victoria, Seychelles – From February 3 to February 7, 2025, the Seychelles Ministry of Well being, in collaboration with the World Well being Group (WHO), performed an important workshop to develop the nation’s Nationwide Immunization Technique (NIS). This initiative adopted intensive efforts that have been made in 2024 to conduct a scenario evaluation on the programmes efficiency, successes, challenges, and alternatives for enchancment. The event of an NIS is aimed toward enhancing public well being via efficient immunization packages, making certain that the Seychelles inhabitants is protected in opposition to preventable ailments.
The workshop commenced on February 3, specializing in previous accomplishments and evaluating the present standing of immunization efforts in Seychelles. Key displays included an summary of Seychelles well being sector strategic targets with key give attention to main well being care and the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), led by Dr. Danny Louange, Chief Government Officer of the Well being Care Company, and WHO Consultant Dr. Rex Mpazanje. Contributors engaged in discussions concerning the implementation of the nation’s complete multi-year plan (cMYP) from 2017 to 2023, in addition to broader immunization packages throughout the African area and Globally in step with the Immunization Agenda 2030 targets.
On the second day, the main target of the workshop shifted to defining strategic priorities for the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). Contributors have been divided into teams to determine two strategic priorities together with particular targets for every. This construction facilitated in-depth discussions on important areas equivalent to program administration, vaccine provide, logistics, and repair supply. The collaborative effort culminated in a consensus-building session that underscored the importance of unified motion in attaining immunization targets. Notably, this strategy included partaking non-traditional immunization stakeholders and different public well being actors, highlighting the interconnectedness of varied well being sectors in enhancing total public well being outcomes.
The workshop’s third day was dedicated to articulating actions and costing for the NIS from 2026 to 2030. Contributors reviewed the strategic priorities established on the day gone by and engaged in group work to plot actionable plans overlaying program administration, vaccine logistics, and knowledge administration, making certain a complete strategy to immunization technique growth.
Because the workshop progressed into its fourth day, contributors targeted on creating and finalizing the draft narratives of the NIS, collating suggestions and insights from earlier discussions to create a cohesive doc outlining Seychelles’ immunization targets and techniques for the following 5 years.
The ultimate day featured displays of the draft NIS, with remarks from the Principal Secretary of Well being Dr. Bernard Valentin and different well being officers appreciating the collaborative effort between the Ministry of Well being and WHO in creating a strong immunization technique. The engagement and dedication proven by all contributors mirrored the significance of a robust immunization framework for the well being and well-being of the Seychelles inhabitants.
Rising key priorities from the workshop included the evaluation and finalization of a complete immunization coverage, enhancing program administration and logistics, implementing a strong knowledge administration system, and addressing vaccine hesitancy via focused communication campaigns. Particular advisable actions outlined embody the recruitment of information administration officer and well being promotion officers, the combination of vaccination companies with different well being initiatives, and the event of a costed danger communication plan to bolster public belief in vaccines.
This workshop represents a major milestone in Seychelles’ public well being journey, positioning the nation to reinforce its immunization protection and well being outcomes with the continued assist of the WHO. Importantly, the Seychelles authorities is dedicated to defending all residents from vaccine-preventable ailments. It’s value noting that Seychelles is among the few nations within the area that has self-financed its vaccine procurement and program actions with minimal assist from donors and companions, demonstrating the federal government’s dedication to public well being. Collectively, we’re forging a path towards a more healthy future for the nation.