Building national immunization program leadership during COVID-19: Lessons from the EPILAMP consortium
Erika Linnander, Yale Global Health Leadership Initiative; Agnes Binagwaho, University of Global Health Equity; Yap Boum II, University of Yaounde I; Ranjana Kumar, Gavi; Aziza Mwisonga, Path; Liya Wondwossen, PATH and EPI LAMP Alumna
The Gap
The Gap
Leadership and management are essential in responding to COVID-19. However, traditional models of leadership development are obsolete in the context of COVID-related restrictions on travel and convening.
Leadership and management are essential in responding to COVID-19. However, traditional models of leadership development are obsolete in the context of COVID-related restrictions on travel and convening.
How can we nurture leadership now and into the future?
How can we nurture leadership now and into the future?
EPI LAMP
EPI LAMP
EPI LAMP is a 9-month certificate program for teams of Ministry of Health officials responsible for the achievement of national immunization program targets in Gavi-eligible countries. Since 2018, EPI LAMP has engaged 27 countries (54 alumni and 49 current delegates) from Anglophone and Francophone Africa and Asia. For Cohorts IV and V, the blended learning model, which included asynchronous e-learning, 3 week-long in-person forums, and a mentored breakthrough project to drive immunization program performance, has been adapted for fully virtual delivery to support leadership of COVID response.
EPI LAMP is a 9-month certificate program for teams of Ministry of Health officials responsible for the achievement of national immunization program targets in Gavi-eligible countries. Since 2018, EPI LAMP has engaged 27 countries (54 alumni and 49 current delegates) from Anglophone and Francophone Africa and Asia. For Cohorts IV and V, the blended learning model, which included asynchronous e-learning, 3 week-long in-person forums, and a mentored breakthrough project to drive immunization program performance, has been adapted for fully virtual delivery to support leadership of COVID response.
Methods for Adaptation
Methods for Adaptation
- Structured risk assessment in each country to understand remote working practices, internet connectivity and cost, competing priorities (demand and flexibility), and preferred platforms for collaboration
- Synthesis of best practices in professional education (Yale Poorvu Center, literature and practice review)
Results
Results
To date:
To date:
88% participation in biweekly live sessions
Increased demand for coaching (doubled to 2x/month)
Better progress on breakthrough projects halfway through the program, compared with prior cohorts
Implications
Implications
National immunization professionals demand leadership support despite competing challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
National immunization professionals demand leadership support despite competing challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through systematic adaptation, virtual models can be accessible, engaging, and responsive to their management and leadership needs.
Through systematic adaptation, virtual models can be accessible, engaging, and responsive to their management and leadership needs.
Leadership development must remain part of national and global response and recovery.
Leadership development must remain part of national and global response and recovery.