^{_{By Tatenda Chimbwanda}}

Kadoma, Zimbabwe – Because the nation continues to construct on the efforts to deliver vaccination again on observe after the disruptive impression of COVID-19, the Ministry of Well being and Youngster Care (MoHCC) in Zimbabwe carried out a Complete Expanded Program on Immunization Evaluate (CEPIR), in Kadoma from September 18 to 22, 2023. The CEPIR aimed to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of every immunization element to tell the event of evidence-based suggestions for the required adjustments and enhancements to the immunization program. The train was carried out with the assist from the World Well being Group (WHO), Invoice and Melinda Gates Basis, Crown Company and UNICEF.

The CEPIR is a multistage train that primarily entails a desk assessment and a field-based assessment. This workshop finalized the desk assessment report, zero dose evaluation report, and initiated area knowledge assortment. This crucial assembly precedes the upcoming area knowledge assortment train scheduled from September 25 to 29, 2023. The sphere knowledge assortment will complement and validate findings from the desk assessment and nil dose evaluation.

“We view the great Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) assessment as a fantastic alternative to mirror on and be taught from our immunization system’s efficiency over the previous years. We plan to reinforce service provision, aiming to succeed in all goal people in step with the federal government of Zimbabwe’s mantra of leaving nobody and no place behind,” mentioned Ms Tshuma, MoHCC Deputy Director of Group Nursing.

WHO, at headquarters, regional and nation workplace, is offering crucial coordination assist for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the CEPIR. The WHO has additionally offered monetary assist for the CEPIR.

“The excellent EPI assessment is without doubt one of the crucial actions to play a big half within the enchancment of immunization service supply. We commend the federal government of Zimbabwe for endeavor this important exercise at this most opportune time, which can present the required proof to strategize in the direction of immunization,” mentioned WHO Zimbabwe Surveillance Officer, Dr. Maxwell Rupfutse.

The findings from the CEPIR will play an important position in shaping the strategic planning for immunization providers in Zimbabwe. This contains updating the Nationwide Immunization Technique and crafting annual operational plans. Furthermore, these findings maintain immense significance in securing extra sources for the EPI program, each from home sources and exterior funding companions.

As a dedicated Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Accomplice, Crown Brokers acknowledges the importance of this EPI assessment in facilitating a complete analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the nationwide immunization program at numerous ranges, together with nationwide, subnational, and repair supply.

“We recognize the chance to contribute to the enrichment of our EPI program, and we stay devoted to supporting its success,” mentioned Crown Brokers Managing Director, Mrs Muchaneta Mwonzora.

Following the desk assessment workshop, the crew will embark on area visits, to assemble extra data on the immunization program in any respect ranges throughout the nation. The scope of those visits will cowl seven provinces purposively chosen based mostly on efficiency in routine immunization and surveillance. These provinces are Harare, Manicaland, Mashonaland East, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Midlands, and Matabeleland South, with three districts per province. Moreover, two well being services per district might be included within the evaluation. To acquire beneficial insights from purchasers and communities concerning the availability of immunization providers of their respective areas, observations on the standard of immunization classes and exit interviews might be carried out.

Notably, areas that exhibit excessive efficiency might be carefully examined to determine greatest practices and classes learnt, which can subsequently inform focused interventions geared toward strengthening service provision in underperforming areas. Due to this fact, after the sector train a knowledge evaluation and report writing might be carried out, the findings might be used to information strategic actions and enhancements within the immunization program.

This assembly serves as a testomony to Zimbabwe’s dedication to reinforcing its immunization program and making certain each little one receives life-saving vaccines.