(Ganta City, Nimba County, February 5, 2025)– The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) has successfully concluded its Integrated Annual Review Meeting in Ganta City, Nimba County. The high-level gathering convened key stakeholders, including government officials, health experts, and partner organizations, to assess previous immunization efforts and strategize for 2025. The primary goal of the meeting was to enhance immunization service delivery across Liberia, ensuring broader vaccine coverage, particularly in hard-to-reach communities. Officials reviewed immunization data, addressed logistical challenges, and explored innovative strategies to improve vaccine accessibility. In his opening remarks, Nimba County Health Officer, Dr. Ponnie Robertlee Dolo, thanked all stakeholders for their continued support in advancing immunization initiatives. He underscored the significance of data-driven decision-making in shaping a more effective immunization framework for the coming year.
Dr. K. Tiala Mulbah, Program Manager of the Healthcare Federation of Liberia, commended the Ministry of Health for organizing the review meeting. She emphasized the critical role of private-sector engagement in immunization programs and reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to supporting EPI, particularly in private health facilities. Representing the Ministry of Health, Dr. C. Jabbeh Howe extended greetings on behalf of the Minister of Health and expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the National Malaria Control Program and the National Community Health Program in expanding vaccine coverage. She acknowledged persistent challenges, including community resistance, vaccine stock shortages, and inadequate cold-chain storage facilities. Dr. Howe stressed that immunization is a key pillar of disease prevention and public health, emphasizing the collective benefits of herd immunity. She encouraged healthcare workers to prioritize child survival by ensuring timely vaccinations to prevent avoidable disease outbreaks.
Bakary Pa Sonko, Africa CDC’s Senior Country Representative and National Coordinator for Liberia reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening immunization strategies nationwide. “Immunization is one of the most powerful tools to combat preventable diseases. Yet, disparities in vaccine coverage, misinformation, and logistical hurdles continue to challenge our progress. This workshop is an opportunity not only to assess where we stand but also to identify innovative solutions and best practices tailored to our unique contexts,” he stated. He further emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, data-driven approaches, and strategic partnerships to enhance immunization systems. He assured stakeholders of Africa CDC’s continuous support in ensuring that no child in Liberia is left behind in immunization efforts.
Technical sessions covered a wide range of topics, including immunization performance, vaccine accountability, and health worker training programs. Participants also assessed the impact of past immunization campaigns and identified areas for improvement. Panel discussions addressed: vaccine supply chain management; strengthening surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases; and enhancing community engagement to combat vaccine hesitancy. Experts shared best practices from various counties, highlighting successful strategies in increasing vaccine uptake. The meeting concluded with the formulation of key resolutions aimed at enhancing immunization efficiency: expanded outreach programs to improve vaccine accessibility in remote areas; enhanced logistics and cold-chain storage facilities for more efficient vaccine distribution; stronger partnerships between the Ministry of Health, donor agencies, and implementing partners to ensure sustained immunization efforts. With a renewed commitment from all stakeholders, EPI is set to enter 2025 with a robust and strategic approach to immunization. The resolutions from the review meeting will serve as a guiding framework to increase vaccine coverage, reduce disease outbreaks, and strengthen Liberia’s public health infrastructure.