Thirty-four Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Managers from fifteen Anglophone countries attended a two weeks (10-21 October, 2016) WHO AFRO Mid-Level Managers Training Course in Pretoria, South Africa. Participants were trained on 16 revised WHO AFRO EPI modules. These modules included; problem solving approach, role of EPI managers, how to communicate for/in EPI, EPI planning, increasing immunizations coverage, costing and financing immunization, cold chain management, vaccine management, immunization safety, new and under-utilized vaccines introduction, how to organize effective and quality national immunization days (NIDs) and supplementary immunization activities (SIAs), Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs) surveillance, monitoring for action, supportive supervision, EPI services assessment and how to conduct EPI survey. 

The methods and techniques used for the training were; short presentations, discussions (plenary/group), case studies, practical exercises, role play and summary presentations. The expected outcomes of the training were; 34 national /provincial EPI managers and staff trained, common understanding achieved on EPI systems /environments and roles of EPI managers, EPI managerial skills acquired/ strengthened and experiences shared among participants and facilitators.

Participants for this training were district/provincial/national EPI managers and staff and EPI focal points from WHO/UNICEF/MCHIP and other concerned partners, working at global, regional, inter-country and country levels. The main objectives of the training were to update the knowledge of participants on; GVAP 2011-2020, Regional Strategic Plan for Immunization 2014 – 2020, capacity building as one of the major strategies of current Regional Plan, Strong program management as one of the key solutions to strengthening the quality and sustainability of immunization services and sharing of experiences amongst countries and all levels.

The opening address was jointly done by Dr Augustine Ntilivamunda on behalf of the WR of South Africa and Mrs Ntombi Mazibuko; Director; Child, Youth and School Health, National Department of Health, South Africa. They welcomed all participants and facilitators and acknowledged the importance of the training in the light of dwindling immunization coverages and outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases in various countries within the African Region. 

South Africa was represented by: Francis Abobo (WCO, South Africa), Elizabeth Masseti (EPI Manager, National Department of Health, South Africa) and Nomakhwezi Baloyi (EPI Manager, Kwazulunatal Province).

Closing ceremony was addressed by Dr Masresha Balcha (Course Director) and Dr Daniel Fussum (Course Coordinator). They entreated participants to ensure that the training is cascaded and also judiciously apply the knowledge acquired in their respective countries to improve immunization services.