Today is a memorable day in Mozambique, the Rotavirus vaccine has been launched. This is a big milestone for all of us.
President Nyusi vaccinates first child against Rotavirus
The Ministry of Health in partnership with the international development community has made a huge effort to distribute the vaccines across the country, revamp the cold chain system, trained their immunization personnel, produced and distributed the social mobilization material (TV/Radio spots, leaflets) all in time for TODAY!!!. On our side, The RESOLVE team was able to go to Niassa, Tete, Cabo Delgado and Manica to help with the logistics planning for the launch and to think about how to adapt the supply system with “Ideas malucas” (aka, crazy but good ideas). The local teams were very welcoming and fully engaged.
VillageReach Mozambique Country Director, Ruth Bechtel and Diana Contreras (me!)
The Rotavirus vaccine
This represents, for all of us, another big learning curve that enriches the country’s experience for other vaccine introductions to come in the next few months (measles 2nd dose and polio injectable) as well as for future antigens.
About the Author
Diana Contreras is a GSK PULSE Volunteer. Through PULSE, GSK employees are matched to a non-profit organization for three or six months full-time, contributing their skills to solve healthcare challenges at home and abroad. Diana is working with our Mozambique team to identify, implement and plan for new vaccine distribution models in VillageReach-supported distributions in Tete province.