Capacity Building for National Immunization Programs in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

The purpose of this award is to strengthen capacity and performance of national immunization programs in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) to achieve regional vaccine preventable disease (VPD) control, elimination and eradication targets (i.e., polio eradication, measles and rubella elimination), reduce VPD-related morbidity and mortality, and address emerging public health threats. The Recipient will strengthen the capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to VPDs in EMR countries, including immunization service delivery, comprehensive VPD surveillance, and capacity needed to prepare for, detect, and respond to VPD outbreaks. The recipient will develop and implement targeted strategies to improve access to and coverage among high-risk un- and under-immunized populations. The recipient will also work to foster immunization program sustainability (i.e., evidence-based decision-making through National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs), immunization safety, and workforce capacity), and advance program evaluation to innovate for increased immunization program impact (i.e., identify and address key immunization program challenges, use of evidence to guide immunization policy). This cooperative agreement may also support activities to address other global health priorities in line with CDC goals.