2025 NISH Training in Review

2025 NISH Training in Review

Reflecting on a record year of strengthening NITAG capacity for evidence-informed policy recommendations.

A Year of Unprecedented Growth & Collaboration

As we look back on 2025, the NISH team is proud to have been invited to contribute to a record number of National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) Capacity-Building Workshops. Throughout the year, our team members facilitated critical sessions both in-person and virtually, focusing heavily on advancing evidence search strategies and the "Evidence to Recommendation" (EtR) framework across the globe.

Key Training Highlights & Objectives

1. Evaluating NITAG Maturity (NMAT)

A major focus this year was evaluating and strengthening the foundational capacity of NITAGs. NISH members worked closely with WHO colleagues to conduct thorough NMAT assessments in Mauritius and The Gambia, setting the stage for more robust policy-making moving forward.

2. Translating Evidence to Recommendation (EtR)

Our workshops dove deep into real-world, high-stakes policy questions facing nations today. Participants were guided on how to assess evidence to address pressing queries, such as:

• Mpox Response: Guiding Zambia on vaccine recommendations for high-risk populations during the outbreak.
• Malaria Integration: Assessing recommendations for children <24 months in routine immunization programmes.
• Meningococcal Strategies: Advising Sudan on switching from Monovalent (MenA) to Multivalent (MenACWYX) vaccines.
• Complex Dosing Schedules: Assessing safety and effectiveness of Hexavalent vs Pentavalent dosing schedules (4 doses vs 3+2 doses) for preventing Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, HepB, Hib, and Polio.
• Elderly Care: Evaluating the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) for older populations.
• Hepatitis B & Maternal Care: Analyzing evidence for birth dose (≤24 hours) vs first DTP dose to prevent maternal-to-child transmission.
• Pertussis Prevention: Reviewing the safety and efficacy of Tdap vaccination during pregnancy (27–36 weeks) to prevent infant hospitalization and death.
• RSV Protection: Crafting recommendations for the RSVpreF vaccine during pregnancy to prevent severe disease in infants.

Impact & Feedback

The response to our 2025 training initiatives has been overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming the value of our interactive and energetic approach to capacity building:

"...just wanted to flag that there was a lot of positive feedback from your session and the participants really enjoyed it. Plus, your very energetic and positive spirit was very much valued! Thank you!"
— Wedyan Meshreky

"Your session was very much appreciated as always."
— Gerald Sume