Strengthening life course immunization through implementation of Saving Lives and Livelihoods (SLL) Project Phase II in Eastern Africa region, 2025

Title : Strengthening life course immunization through implementation of Saving Lives and Livelihoods (SLL) Project Phase II in Eastern Africa region, 2025

Abstract:

Background: The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in Eastern Africa has evolved from a child-focused initiative to a life-course approach, integrating new antigens and targeting broader age groups. Immunization is now seen as a vital public health strategy to boost community resilience and health security. However, coverage for adults and adolescents remains low, leaving them vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.

Description: Amref Health Africa, in collaboration with Ministries of Health and academic institutions, is leading efforts to intergrate Life Course Immunization (LCI) into national health strategies. EPI teams conducted assessments and identified key documents for review, including Immunization In Practice (IIP) guidelines, immunization policies, and strategies. A SWOT analysis helped pinpoint gaps and opportunities. Through consultative workshops, stakeholders provided technical input, followed by a validation process involving experts from EPI, partner organizations, and immunization stakeholders. Final recommendations were contextually tailored and endorsed by Ministries of Health. Revised guidelines were printed and distributed to health facilities.

Lessons Learnt: Eight Eastern African countries; Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Comoros were supported in reviewing immunization documents. Five countries updated their immunization policies, while three revised IIP guidelines. Previously, policies focused on children, neglecting adults and older populations. Countries acknowledged the need to expand vaccine routine schedules to include Cholera, COVID-19, and Hepatitis B. Health worker training gaps were addressed through updated guidelines emphasizing continuous professional development.

Conclusion: Strengthening immunization policies and prioritizing vulnerable populations is essential for achieving inclusive and pandemic-ready immunization systems.

Key words: Life Course Immunization, Policy, Health Security, Immunization systems.

Biography:

Doreen Birungi, Msc International Infectious Diseases Management, is a senior field epidemiologist and Regional Programme Officer–Eastern Africa at Amref Health Africa, where she coordinates the Saving Lives and Livelihoods project across nine countries, including fragile settings of Somalia and South Sudan. She holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology and a Master of science in International Infectious Diseases Management from Makerere University, alongside advanced training in advanced Field Epidemiology.

With extensive experience in biosurveillance, infectious disease diagnostics, biosecurity, and biosafety, Ms. Birungi has played a pivotal role in East Africa’s public health response. She served as a Technical Surveillance Officer at the Uganda Ministry of Health, led investigations into outbreaks of Ebola, Marburg, Rift Valley fever, and anthrax, and supported the COVID-19 response by overseeing healthcare worker infections. Her professional focus lies in strengthening health systems to respond effectively to emerging and re-emerging infectious threats.