Global Immunization News February 2013 Issue
http://www.who.int/immunization/GIN_February_2013.pdf

Inside this issue:
– Burundi introducing Measles second dose
– Project Optimize Comes to an End in Guatemala
– Trinidad and Tobago rolls out HPV Vaccination Programme for Adolescent girls
– WHO and GAVI conduct a Joint Review of the Bhutan Health Trust Fund
– PAHO Revolving Fund Makes Influenza Vaccines More Available to Countries
– V3P Vaccine Product, Price and Procurement Project Entering Development Phase
– First Mobile Laboratory in Guinea
– Vaccine Procurement System Assessment in Ukraine

Meetings/Workshops
– Regional Consultation on the Introduction of New Vaccines in South East Asia
Excerpt
NEW GAVI POLICY ON FRAGILITY AND IMMUNIZATION
Introducing greater flexibility will enable GAVI to better respond to long and short term challenges faced by countries.
In December 2012, the GAVI Alliance Board approved a new policy on a country-by-country approach for GAVI in states that are fragile and face immunization challenges. The policy allows GAVI to work with its partners to strengthen its focus on countries that require more intensive support and attention.

What is the purpose of the policy?
Public, country and expert consultations show that there are a number of GAVI-eligible countries that face exceptional challenges over long periods of time, limiting their ability to access and implement GAVI support.

Working closely with partners and in-country stakeholders, the new policy allows GAVI to develop a tailored approach for each of these countries and to adjust our support to better relate to the specific country context.

The policy also recognises that there are countries that may experience time-limited man-made or natural emergencies. For these situations, GAVI will provide one-off flexibilities in order to help protect immunisation systems and existing GAVI support. After such an event has occurred, the country Government or an in-country partner (WHO or UNICEF) may submit a request to GAVI using the short template available on the GAVI web site.

When is the policy applied and how does it work?
The policy includes a framework that serves as a transparent tool for identifying a number of countries to receive long-term intensified support from the GAVI Alliance. The framework will be applied on an annual basis to ensure that GAVI responds to those countries most in need.

The new policy also offers guidance for countries that experience emergency situations, in which case a request can be submitted to GAVI by the country, WHO or UNICEF.

For countries that are not identified for a tailored approach, several other work streams are available within GAVI and across the Alliance to address specific challenges, e.g. focused support for countries with DTP3 coverage under 70%, equity or data quality challenges.