With the mutual goal of improving access to life-saving vaccines, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recommitted its support to the Sabin Vaccine Institute (Sabin) to re-launch a global network for immunization managers.

The success of immunization programmes to reach populations with vaccines depends on excellent programme management. Sabin will use the three-year, U.S. $3.5 million grant to provide national and sub-national immunization managers with training, education and networking opportunities, with an emphasis on strengthening management and leadership skills.

This initiative builds on the IAIM Network (International Association of Immunization Managers), established five years ago with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help immunization managers connect, share best practices and learn from trusted peers. The IAIM Network has become the world’s largest network for immunization managers, with more than 400 managers from over 120 countries engaging in virtual or in-person activities.

Sabin will leverage its existing expertise and partnerships with management and leadership specialists, as well as major global health organizations, to curate trainings and related resources to address the gaps acknowledged by immunization professionals. In 2019, Sabin plans to launch a new online platform for the network and offer a range of activities and resources targeting the critical needs of immunization managers.