During the sessions, critical topics of discussion ranged from strengthening routine immunization; improving both supply chain and cold chain management to reinforcing preparedness and response to outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases, among a host of others.
This forum, further highlights the urgent need to strengthen domestic financing for immunisation while safeguarding equity and resilience.
Welcoming the gathering, Sidat Fofana, Programme manager at the Expanded Programme on Immunization at the Ministry, described the initiative as timely and laudable.
He described immunisation as the most cost-effective public intervention and the whole world has been striving to ensure that at least people are able to make the population healthy through vaccination.
Modou Njai from Africa CDC Office in Nigeria, who is also the program lead for Primary Health Care and Health Promotion Center, Africa CDC, underscored the importance of the event.
The validation exercise, he added, basically seeks to align national plans with the continental framework and ensure that countries move together in implementing agreed priorities.
He thus commended all the participants for their efforts to make the strategy a workable document, reminding that The Gambia meeting is the first in West Africa.
Njai spoke of their resolve to see that the full implementation of this Continental Immunization Strategy roadmap; a move that will usher in an era of effective and enhanced immunisation services across the region.
Also speaking, Gibril Jarju, Director of Planning and Information at the Ministry, reminded that immunisation financing is a cornerstone of a sustainable health system, and a critical investment in the social and economic development of West Africa.
“Across the region, vaccines continue to save millions, millions of lives, and prevent outbreaks and reduce the long-term cost of health care.”
Yet, he said, ensuring predictable financing is a challenge, acknowledging that recently, west African countries have made committable progress in expanding vaccine coverage and introducing new antigens, often with the support of global and regional partners.
“However, the region continues to face physical constraints, population groups, and vulnerable public and unpredictable health emergencies.”
Deputing for the minister for Health, Dr. Yusupha Touray, permanent secretary at the Ministry, thanked all their stakeholders for their efforts to the health and wellbeing of communities.
Dr. Touray reminded that as a region, there is need to put ‘our house in order’, adding that ‘there are issues with our data, too.’
“I think that is very, very essential. In this strategy, we must put data at the forefront. You know, how we collect data, there is need for that consistency in our reports. Our indicators must speak well, and our rates must have the same reference points. You know, if we have to use national statistics, we need to reconcile this with that of our partners.”
Similarly, he commended all participants for their efforts and participation, something he said, shows great commitment from that highest level.
“We hope with that, in all the member countries, we will be able to succeed by showing our commitment, high commitment to the implementation of immunization.”
