The Vaccine-preventable Diseases and Immunization Programme of WHO/Europe is offering a new training course on measles and rubella elimination and maintenance of polio-free status in the WHO European Region. The course consists of 4–5 modules, each lasting 3–4 hours, and will be conducted on 21–23 January 2025.
The course is intended for early and mid-career professionals working in the field of vaccine-preventable diseases, including researchers, policy-makers and postgraduate students.
Participants will gain knowledge and develop skills to build capacity among stakeholders to achieve targets related to measles and rubella elimination and sustaining the Region’s polio-free status. Focus areas will include:
- an overview of the measles and rubella, and polio situation regionally and globally;
- measles, rubella and polio characteristics, aetiology and transmission;
- outbreak preparedness and prevention through vaccination;
- polio case investigation, and measles, rubella and polio outbreak investigation and response;
- planning and preparing for supplementary immunization activities;
- immunization safety – vaccine safety, injection safety, waste management and adverse effects following immunization;
- framework for the verification of measles and rubella elimination.
In addition to providing the fundamental knowledge and tools necessary to successfully work in this field of vaccine-preventable diseases and public health, the online course offers the opportunity to connect with colleagues and expand professional networks.
Requirements, selection criteria and registration
Participation in the online course is free of charge.
The teaching will be conducted in English with simultaneous Russian translation.
Due to the online format of the course, a stable internet connection as well as a well-functioning camera, microphone and speakers are required.
The selection of the participants will be based on the curriculum vitae (CV) and a short statement submitted by each applicant. This short statement should include a description (maximum 150 words) of how the course can build the individual’s skills and thereby their potential contribution to preventing measles, rubella and polio in a country.
Timeline
The deadline for applications is 13 October 2024. The outcome of the selection process will be communicated to everyone who has applied by 30 November. Chosen participants will receive further course details at the same time.
The course will be held on 21–23 January 2025.
Certification
Upon completion of the course all participants will receive a certificate of attendance from WHO/Europe.
How to apply
To apply, please write to euvaccine@who.int by 13 October 2024 with subject line ‘Workshop application’.
Please include your CV (with full name and email address) and a paragraph (approx. 150 words) on how this course can contribute to building your capacity to help achieve and maintain measles and rubella elimination and polio-free status in the WHO European Region.
We will contact you with the results of the selection process by 30 November 2024.