Nalbari Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) witnessed a significant event on 28th June, 2024, with the successful conduction of a workshop focused on Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD) Surveillance and Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) Surveillance. This workshop, held in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s National Public Health Support Network (WHO-NPSN), marked an important milestone in enhancing public health initiatives in the region.

Objectives of the Workshop

The primary objectives of the workshop were to:

• Enhance Knowledge and Skills: Equip healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge and skills in VPD and AEFI surveillance.
• Promote Best Practices: Share best practices and standard protocols for effective surveillance and reporting.
• Strengthen Health Systems: Build robust mechanisms for early detection and response to vaccine-preventable diseases and adverse events following immunization.

Key Highlights

1. Expert Sessions:

Renowned experts from WHO-NPSP and NMCH delivered insightful sessions on various aspects of VPD and AEFI surveillance. Topics covered included:

• Overview of VPDs and their global and national impact.
• Strategies for effective VPD surveillance and data management.
• Identification and management of AEFIs.
• Role of healthcare professionals in reporting and monitoring.

2. Interactive Workshops:

Participants engaged in interactive workshops designed to provide hands-on experience in:

• Collecting and analyzing surveillance data.
• Implementing response strategies for VPD outbreaks.
• Reporting AEFIs using standardized tools and procedures.

3. Case Studies and Real-Life Scenarios:

The workshop included discussions on real-life case studies, enabling participants to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. This approach fostered a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in VPD and AEFI surveillance.

4. Collaborative Efforts:

The collaboration between NMCH and WHO-NPSN underscored the importance of partnerships in public health. The combined efforts aimed at strengthening the local health system’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to vaccine-preventable diseases and adverse events following immunization.

Impact and Way Forward

The workshop was attended by a diverse group of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, epidemiologists, and public health officials. The participants expressed their appreciation for the comprehensive training and emphasized the importance of continuous learning and collaboration.

The knowledge and skills acquired during the workshop are expected to significantly improve the surveillance and management of VPDs and AEFIs in Nalbari and the surrounding regions. The successful conduction of this workshop also sets a precedent for future collaborations between NMCH, WHO-NPSN, and other public health organizations.

In conclusion, the VPD Surveillance & AEFI Surveillance Workshop at NMCH, Nalbari, in collaboration with WHO-NPSP, was a resounding success. It highlighted the collective commitment to safeguarding public health and paved the way for more robust surveillance systems and improved healthcare outcomes

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