Module 1. Cold chain, vaccines and safe-injection equipment management
Module 1 helps the mid-level manager determine how much vaccine and safe injection equipment is needed to run an immunization programme, how to manage its storage, distribution and replacement, how to monitor the system, and how to respond to changes when a new vaccine is introduced.
Module 2 describes how to work closely with the community to understand
their needs, what roles can be successfully undertaken by community
representatives, and how their involvement can help in managing a better service. This module can be used by mid-level managers to enhance their own skills, and
with health workers and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) partners to
strengthen their work with communities.
Module 3 describes how to ensure every vaccination is given safely, how to
manage waste materials, and how to monitor the service sufficiently to be alert
and responsive to any serious adverse event should it occur.
Module 4 will help the mid-level manager to obtain the maximum benefit
from every supervisory visit, from the training of supervisors, through managing
a system of supervisory visits to following up and solving problems after the
supervisory session.
Module 5 encourages mid-level managers to measure the performance of all
components of the immunization system, by a combination of passive data collection (monthly reports), and active data collection (supervisory visits). It describes how managers can use the data they collect to identify problems and take corrective action, in order to improve the quality and success of their immunization programmes.
Module 6 is written for national and provincial staff and is intended to take the mid-level manager through the necessary steps towards a comprehensive annual plan. It is organized by component of the immunization system rather than by immunization initiative. Interactive analysis and joint problem-solving are encouraged. There is a separate section on attaining hard-to-reach populations and a checklist from the Global Immunization Vision and Strategy to help ensure that the plan is sufficiently complete and forward-looking.
Module 7 is intended to lead the mid-level manager through the process of conducting an EPI coverage survey – from the effective organization of staff, to planning and conducting the survey, and analysing the results. The module follows the method that has been used successfully worldwide, for at least two decades, but makes it simpler to use and more practical for the mid-level manager. There are step-by-step instructions which can be used for learning activities, and blank forms which can be adapted for field use.
Module 8 explains in practical terms the basic concepts of surveillance and how to manage a surveillance system for vaccine-preventable diseases. It is hoped that the participant, after reading this module and discussing the concepts with the facilitator, will have a fair idea of how to start, run and monitor a surveillance system.
