In October 2024, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen influenza vaccination initiatives in the WHO South-East Asia Region, the World Health Organization (WHO), through its Regional Office for South-East Asia (SEARO) and the WHO Country Office in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea), facilitated a key national training session.
Conducted as part of activities supported through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution, the training aimed to strengthen national capacity for seasonal and pandemic influenza preparedness, with a focus on the role of seasonal influenza vaccine introduction as a platform for the potential deployment of pandemic vaccines during influenza epidemics and pandemics.
The training aimed to share knowledge, provide practical tools, and offer hands-on learning opportunities to empower national experts and decision-makers in preparing for and effectively responding to seasonal and pandemic influenza. This initiative builds on the introduction of seasonal influenza vaccines in DPR Korea in 2022 and aligns with the country’s revised National Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan.
By strengthening national capacity through targeted training, this initiative supports the broader goals of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) in the country by promoting future pandemic vaccine deployment through the development of a robust national seasonal influenza vaccination programme. It reinforces DPR Korea’s commitment to sustainable, country-led preparedness efforts for influenza and other respiratory pathogens across the WHO South-East Asia Region.
Training of Trainers (ToT) session to support national training on influenza vaccine introduction in DPR Korea (Photo credit: WHO Country Office, DPR Korea).
Building Practical Skills for planning for influenza epidemics and pandemics
Designed with a strong emphasis on the real-world application of seasonal and pandemic influenza preparedness measures, including vaccines as a key countermeasure, the training brought together members of the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG), representatives from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), and WHO technical experts. Key topics covered included influenza epidemiology, vaccine policy, antiviral use, public health and social measures (PHSMs), and strategies for the introduction, delivery, and monitoring of seasonal influenza vaccination.
To support participants during and beyond the training, a comprehensive resource package was developed and shared. This toolbox included core WHO materials, integrated supplementary guidance, and globally recognized tools available through official WHO platforms. It featured communication templates, advocacy materials, and monitoring checklists—each designed for practical application at both national and local levels.
Capturing Feedback Through Post Training Assessment
Following the training, an online post-assessment was conducted to gauge participants’ understanding, collect feedback on their training experience, and identify areas needing additional support. The results were encouraging participant feedback was positive, indicating strengthened capacity and readiness to contribute effectively to influenza vaccination planning and implementation. The training materials were regarded as clear and practical, and participants valued the opportunity to connect with peers and discuss common challenges.
Based on feedback from the Ministry of Public Health, future efforts should continue to align with their previous recommendations, which emphasize strengthening surveillance systems as a core component of influenza control. This activity ultimately aims to enhance the country’s capacity for influenza preparedness and response, thereby contributing to the overall regional capacity.
What’s Next
To build on the progress achieved during this training, the following practical steps are recommended:
- Expand the focus on strengthening surveillance systems in future training sessions, particularly emphasizing early detection and supporting vaccine strain selection.
- Translate training resources and adapt them to the local context to ensure they are accessible and practical for front-line workers and community-level implementers.
- Offer virtual follow-up support or refresher sessions to maintain engagement and sustain momentum.
- Leverage WHO and other relevant tools to monitor progress and evaluate implementation efforts across the region.
This work in DPR Korea reflects a long-term commitment to ensuring that countries are not only capable of responding effectively to influenza outbreaks but are also equipped to anticipate and prepare for them in an efficient and equitable manner.
Impact and Next Steps
The training held in October 2024 acted as a catalyst for nationwide action, resulting in the following key achievements:
- Training of Trainers (ToT): twenty-six provincial focal points were trained, who subsequently cascaded the training to 426 county-level officials.
- Frontline Health Workers Training: 2,130 frontline household doctors received training, equipping them with essential tools for vaccination delivery and community outreach.
- Development of Information Education and Communication Materials: Information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, along with reporting tools, were developed to support vaccine communication and programme monitoring.
Training frontline health workers (Photo credit: WHO Country Office, DPR Korea)
This work represents a long-term commitment to building a robust influenza vaccination system in DPR Korea, ensuring that the country is not only equipped to respond to influenza outbreaks but also to anticipate and mitigate risks effectively. It also aims to ensure that the targets of seasonal influenza vaccination campaigns are fully achieved. The collaboration with WHO and ongoing capacity-building efforts under the High-Level Implementation Plan -III of PIP Partnership Contribution will continue to support seasonal influenza vaccination and preparedness at both national and community levels.