The Geneva Learning Foundation

On August 6, 2024, the Nigeria Immunization Agenda 2030 Collaborative concluded its first peer learning exercise with a final Assembly.

This groundbreaking initiative, a partnership between The Geneva Learning Foundation, Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and UNICEF, has already engaged over 4,400 health workers from all 36 States and more than 300 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Nigeria.

The Collaborative’s innovative approach focuses on empowering health workers to identify root causes of local immunization challenges and develop practical, context-specific solutions.

As the initiative continues to grow, with new members joining daily, it represents a significant shift in how Nigeria approaches immunization capacity building and problem-solving.

Following the final Assembly, Nigeria immunization specialist Jenny Sequeira and The Geneva Learning Foundation’s deputy director Charlotte Mbuh shared their reflections on the exercise.

Their insights offer a window into the transformative potential of this peer learning model.

Here are 7 key takeaways from their discussion, highlighting the impact and future potential of the Nigeria Immunization Agenda 2030 Collaborative:

1. Critical Thinking Evolution: Participants made significant progress in their analytical skills, moving from vague problem statements to nuanced understanding of local immunization challenges. The “5 Whys” technique proved particularly effective.

2. Power of Peer Review: The structured, time-bound peer review process emerged as a practical learning tool, fostering self-reflection and exposing participants to diverse perspectives.

3. Leveling the Playing Field: The Collaborative created an environment where hierarchies dissolved, enabling workers from the local levels to engage laterally with state and national-level participants.

4. Focus on Actionable Solutions: Participants were encouraged to identify root causes within their control, promoting practical, context-specific solutions.

5. Importance of Community Engagement: The process highlighted the crucial role of engaging communities and addressing barriers to improve vaccine uptake.

6. Emphasis on Implementation: While the RCA exercise was valuable, leaders stressed the critical need for follow-through and implementation of proposed solutions.

7. Cross-Sector Collaboration: The collaborative saw participation from diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and private sector entities.

ABUJA (8 July 2024) –– The Geneva Learning Foundation announced today 486 health leaders inducted into the Nigeria Immunization Collaborative.

The Geneva Learning Foundation, in partnership with Nigeria's National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and UNICEF, held a meeting today to announce new health leaders joining the Nigeria Immunization Collaborative.

Watch the induction ceremony: https://youtu.be/1Us9csw_lFw

Learn more and apply https://www.learning.foundation/nigeria

The Collaborative is a peer learning initiative to support immunization professionals across Nigeria in ensuring every child receives needed vaccines.

As of July 8th, the Collaborative's campaign has reached 56,195 health leaders across Nigeria, with 1,615 expressing interest in joining.

73 Nigerian health leaders have contributed to disseminating information about the Collaborative to colleagues.

Applications have been received from all 36 states and 171 local government areas.

Today, health professionals from across Nigeria were announced and welcomed as the newest members of the Collaborative.

The top challenges they aim to address include reaching zero-dose children and missed communities, addressing missed vaccinations in children and adults, and overcoming disruptions to routine immunization.

Members of the Collaborative will support each other, accompanied by Guides on the side, to identify root causes and corrective actions for immunization challenges in their local areas.

The Collaborative provides an opportunity for immunization professionals to learn from each other's experience across the country.

With millions of children in Nigeria missing out on critical vaccinations each year, the Collaborative aims to empower and connect health workers on the front lines to ensure no child is left unprotected from vaccine-preventable diseases.

New members will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis.

The 1 July 2024 meeting of the first Nigeria Movement for Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) Collaborative announced the names of the first batch of Nigeria health leaders inducted into the Collaborative.

Learn more and apply https://www.learning.foundation/nigeria

Watch the recording to hear from Nigerian health leaders and find out who is joining the Collaborative – and why.

As of 1 July, 699 health professionals had already expressed interest in joining the Collaborative.

Those inducted to the Collaborative come from 33 states, 71 LGAs, a mix of health system levels.

Forty percent are women.

46 Nigerian organizations – including an eclectic mix of local government agencies, civil society organizations, and private businesses like pharmacies – have already become official Partners of the Collaborative.

Why are health leaders coming together to launch this Collaborative? “In Nigeria, many children do not receive the vaccines that they need. As health workers, I think we can do more if we come together to see how we can reduce the number of under-immunized children.”

In this dialogue, participants shared their immunization challenges and the goals they hope to achieve through the Collaborative.

The top three challenges identified by the Collaborative are reaching zero-dose children, missed vaccinations, and disruptions to routine immunization.

The Collaborative is a partnership between the Geneva Learning Foundation, UNICEF, and Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to support health workers in strengthening routine immunization.

If you work for health in Nigeria, you are invited to apply to join the first Immunization Collaborative.

Learn more and request your application here: https://www.learning.foundation/nigeria

When you apply, we will ask you questions. Here is what we ask you and why.

What we ask you in the application and why

In the Nigeria Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) Collaborative application, we ask you for:

1. Permission to share information you give us. We also need you to agree to follow your country’s and World Health Organization rules on immunization. This makes sure the Collaborative helps meet Nigeria’s goals.

2. Your contact details. We will use this to connect with you and help you meet colleagues in the Collaborative. Learning together with your colleagues is a big part of this program.

3. Information about your work, like the name of the organization you work for, your job, and where you work. We also ask how long you have been working on immunization. This helps us make the Collaborative better for the people in it.

4. A description of the biggest problem you face in your immunization work. In the Collaborative, you will work on this problem. You will work with others to find the causes of the problem and come up with ways to fix it.

5. Your goal and the steps you will take to fix your problem. This is called your IA2030 Action Plan. Sharing your plan with others in the Collaborative lets you learn from and help each other.

6. Numbers and facts about immunization where you work, like how many people need vaccines, how many are getting vaccines, and how many outreach clinics were planned and actually happened. This helps us understand your work situation better and see if things are getting better over time.

7. If you do not know these numbers, you can tell us that. That will not prevent you from being selected for the Collaborative.

8. We ask you to promise to actively take part in the Collaborative. This includes sharing your experiences with others. Learning together with your colleagues is a big part of the Collaborative.

By asking for this information, we want to make a Collaborative that helps you solve real immunization problems you face in your work. The main goal is to help more children and families in Nigeria get the vaccines they need.

If you work for health in Nigeria, you are invited to apply to join the first Immunization Collaborative.

Learn more and request your application here: https://www.learning.foundation/nigeria

This meeting on 24 June 2024 brought together Nigerian leaders of the Movement for Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) and Ambassadors of the Alumni of The Geneva Learning Foundation (TGLF).

Health workers across Nigeria are mobilizing to tackle the country’s most pressing immunization challenges through the newly launched Nigeria Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) Collaborative. The initiative, a partnership between the Geneva Learning Foundation, UNICEF, and Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), aims to bring together dedicated professionals to develop solutions that will improve immunization outcomes for Nigeria’s children and families.

The Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) is the global immunization strategy adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2020. In March 2022, the Geneva Learning Foundation launched a call to form a movement in support of IA2030. By June 2023, over 16,000 health workers were participating, with more than 80% working at the district and health facility levels. The Movement has already demonstrated a scalable model for facilitating peer exchange and locally-developed solutions.

The Geneva Learning Foundation brings expertise in learning science to build digital peer networks that inspire frontline health workers to learn from each other and lead practical changes.

UNICEF’s partnership will explore a new hybrid technical assistance model that places value on connecting global guidance with local best practices and knowledge. The NPHCDA, as the key government partner in this initiative, is committed to supporting the efforts of health workers in improving immunization coverage and equity in Nigeria.

The call to action has been issued, urging health workers to register their interest, share the opportunity with colleagues, and complete the application process. Consistency and dedication will be key, with the core group of participants being selected based on their attendance at a series of weekly meetings.

TGLF Ambassadors, who are alumni selected based on their demonstrated commitment to the Foundation’s mission, play a crucial role in promoting the initiative and encouraging participation among their colleagues and networks.

Participants in the Collaborative will identify their most significant immunization challenges and develop IA2030 Action Plans to address them. Working together, they will analyze root causes and devise solutions to overcome real-world barriers to immunization.

This is the livestream for the afternoon sessions in English of Teach to Reach 10 on 20 June 2024. #Vaccineswork #HumanlyPossible #EPIat50 #DigitalHealth

Welcome back to the livestream of Teach to Reach 10, a groundbreaking conference connecting over 21,000 health workers from more than 80 countries to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and drive global health action.

As we move into the afternoon sessions, we shift our focus to celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), exploring neglected needs in women’s health, and showcasing digital innovations in health.

In the first session, “EPI at 50,” we will honor the incredible achievements of this global initiative that has saved millions of lives since its inception in 1974.

Immunization leaders from over 80 countries will share their greatest successes and toughest challenges over the past 50 years.

We will also mark this milestone by launching the Nigeria Immunization Collaborative, a partnership between the Geneva Learning Foundation, UNICEF, and Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), aimed at strengthening routine immunization in the country.

Throughout this session, we will draw inspiration from the Movement for Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), harnessing the collective energy of health workers worldwide to achieve our ambitious goals.

By reflecting on EPI’s legacy and igniting new collaborations, we will chart a bold path forward for the next 50 years of immunization, driven by visionary leadership, innovative integration, and the unstoppable momentum of a global movement.

We will explore strategies for integrating immunization with other primary care interventions, empowering communities to take control of their health, and advocating for policies that prioritize children’s and families’ well-being.

We will showcase the transformative potential of digital health technologies.

eHealth Africa, a leading organization in this field, will conduct a workshop demonstrating how their innovative tools are revolutionizing healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings.

From mobile health apps to telemedicine platforms, these technologies are breaking down barriers to access, improving quality of care, and empowering health workers to provide better services to their communities.

Throughout the afternoon, participants will have the opportunity to network with their peers from around the world, sharing experiences, challenges, and best practices.

These connections are at the heart of Teach to Reach’s unique model, which recognizes that the most effective solutions often emerge from the collective wisdom of those on the frontlines.

For those tuning in for the first time, Teach to Reach is more than just a conference - it’s a movement that amplifies the voices of frontline health workers and promotes locally-led action for global health.

By fostering peer learning, cross-border collaboration, and leadership development, Teach to Reach is transforming the way we approach global health challenges.

So join us for this inspiring afternoon of learning, celebration, and innovation.

As we honor EPI’s legacy, advance women’s health, and embrace the power of digital technologies, we invite you to be part of this global movement for change.

Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable world for all.

This session is part of Teach to Reach 10, a groundbreaking two-day massive peer learning event bringing together over 21,000 health workers from more than 80 countries to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and drive global health action.

Request your invitation for Teach to Reach https://www.learning.foundation/teachtoreach

Learn more about climate change and health https://www.learning.foundation/climate

Join us for this plenary session at Teach to Reach 10, where health professionals from local communities that are hardest-hit by climate change will share their firsthand experiences and insights on the intersections of climate change and health in their communities. 🌡️🌋🌪️

Learn more: Climate change and health: Health workers on climate, community, and the urgent need for action

https://redasadki.me/2024/05/20/climate-change-and-health-health-workers-on-climate-community-and-the-urgent-need-for-action/

In this peer learning session, you will hear powerful stories as health workers respond to thought-provoking Teach to Reach Questions about the climate-health nexus. From moments of heartbreak and resilience to innovative solutions and calls to action, these voices will paint a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities ahead. 💔💪💡

Learn more: Climate change is a threat to the health of the communities we serve: health workers speak out at COP28

https://redasadki.me/2023/12/11/climate-and-health-health-workers-trust/

Listening to these grassroots perspectives will be Guides on the side – global health leaders like Dr. Maria Neira, Director of Public Health, Environment and Social Determinants of Health at the World Health Organization (WHO), and Emiko Nishimura, Director of the Global Health Team at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). 🎧🌐

Learn more: Investing in the health workforce is vital to tackle climate change: A new report shares insights from over 1,200 on the frontline

https://redasadki.me/2023/12/01/investing-in-the-health-workforce-is-vital-to-face-climate-change-a-new-report-shares-insights-from-over-1200-on-the-frontline/

This unique dialogue between local experts and global decision-makers promises to be a catalyst for transformative action. Together, we’ll explore questions like:

How is climate change exacerbating health risks like malaria, heat stroke, asthma, malnutrition, and waterborne diseases? 🦟🌡️🫁🍚🚰

What emotions and experiences drive health workers to take action on climate and health? 💭🩺

What innovative strategies are communities using to build resilience and safeguard health in a changing climate? 🌱💪

How can we amplify frontline voices to inform policy and drive investment in climate-smart healthcare? 📣💰

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a critical conversation on the urgent health impacts of climate change, and the power of health workers to lead the way to a healthier, more sustainable future. 🌍🩺💚

Whether you’re a health worker, policymaker, researcher, or advocate, this session will leave you inspired, informed, and equipped to take action at the intersection of climate and health. 🏥🌳🏛️

🎉 Join us at Teach to Reach 10 for this not-to-be-missed plenary on climate change and health! 🗓️

#TeachToReach #Climate #Health #HealthWorkersLead #WHO #JICA #PlenarySession

This session is part of Teach to Reach 10, a groundbreaking two-day massive peer learning event bringing together over 21,000 health workers from more than 80 countries to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and drive global health action.

Request your invitation for Teach to Reach https://www.learning.foundation/teachtoreach

In this powerful plenary session, health workers from communities facing malaria will share their unique insights and experiences fighting this disease with the communities they serve.

Learn more: World Malaria Day 2024: We need new ways to support health workers leading change with local communities

https://redasadki.me/2024/04/25/world-malaria-day-2024-we-need-new-ways-to-learn-and-lead-change-with-local-communities/

Through their responses to thought-provoking Teach to Reach questions, these local experts will shed light on the challenges, successes, and opportunities in the battle to roll back malaria. 🦟💪

From innovative approaches to prevention and treatment, to strategies for reaching the most vulnerable populations, to the urgent need for equitable access and investment, these voices will paint a vivid and nuanced picture of the current malaria landscape.

Together, we’ll explore critical questions like:

How have health workers and communities adapted to the evolving challenges of drug and insecticide resistance? 💊🦟

What lessons can we learn from successful community engagement and behavior change strategies? 🤝🧠

How can we ensure equitable access to lifesaving interventions like bed nets, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment? ⚖️🛏️🩻

What will it take to accelerate progress and achieve the ambitious global goal of malaria eradication? 🌍🥅

Whether you’re a health worker, researcher, program implementer, or policymaker, this session promises to inform and inspire your work in malaria.

Join us to hear directly from those at the heart of the malaria fight, and be part of charting a bold way forward. 🗺️⭐

In this plenary session, our Teach To Reach partner Uniting to Combat NTDs joins frontline health workers to shed light on the critical fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

Through the lens of real-world experiences shared by health professionals from NTD-endemic regions, we’ll explore the complex challenges and promising solutions in the battle against these diseases that affect the world’s most marginalized communities.

Hear firsthand accounts of:

The devastating impact of NTDs like schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and onchocerciasis on individuals and communities

Innovative strategies for NTD prevention, from mass drug administration to WASH interventions

The power of community engagement and locally-led solutions in the fight against NTDs

The emerging threat of climate change on NTD transmission and the urgent need for resilience-building

Lessons learned and best practices from the frontlines of the NTD response

Together with health workers, we’ll discuss:

How can we amplify frontline voices to drive political will and investment in NTDs?

What will it take to reach the WHO 2030 NTD elimination goals in the face of climate change and other emerging threats?

How can we champion a patient-centered approach to NTD interventions that leaves no one behind?

Join us for an eye-opening dialogue on one of global health’s most pressing yet underrecognized challenges, and be part of reimagining the NTD response for a new era.

This session is part of Teach to Reach 10, a groundbreaking two-day massive peer learning event bringing together over 21,000 health workers from more than 80 countries to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and drive global health action.

Request your invitation for Teach to Reach https://www.learning.foundation/teachtoreach

Teach to Reach 10 marks a pivotal moment as we open our partnership model to local organizations, acknowledging their vital role in driving sustainable development.

In this forum, leaders will introduce their organizations and share their stories, challenges, and innovations, offering a window into the realities and potential of locally led action. 🌱💡

Through their insights, we’ll explore how strengthening local capacity and fostering equitable partnerships can catalyze transformative change.

By building on community strengths, cultivating local ownership, and ensuring all voices are heard, we can support development efforts that are more responsive, resilient, and sustainable. 💪🌍

This forum embodies a commitment to partnerships grounded in mutual respect, reciprocity, and a shared vision of a future where every community thrives.

It’s a space for local leaders to spark connections, inspire collaborations, and reshape the conversation around what’s possible when grassroots voices take the lead. 🤝💬

Join us to listen, learn, and be part of a growing global movement that recognizes local leadership as the key to unlocking lasting solutions to complex challenges.

Whether you’re a community advocate, development practitioner, or simply passionate about building a more equitable world, your perspective is welcome and valued. 🌟✨