2022 marked the 17th consecutive year that VACFA has conducted the Annual African Vaccinology Course (AAVC). Participants from 28 African countries were in attendance during the course

Aims of the AAVC 

The aim of VACFA’s annual vaccinology course is to enhance knowledge on vaccinology among the national immunization programme managers, health workers, as well as basic scientists involved in vaccination programs and/or vaccines research within the African continent.  

The course was convened by A/Prof. Benjamin Kagina, Prof. Rudzani Muloiwa and Prof. Gregory Hussey, – all staff members of UCT. A diverse pool of 38 (local and international) faculty members presented at the course. The faculty members were from academic institutions, not for profit organizations, industry sectors and the media.  

The aims of the 17th AAVC in 2022 were: 

  1. Provide participants with essential and up-to-date knowledge on human vaccines 

  1. Encourage dialogues about the successes, challenges, and opportunities to improve national immunisation programs in Africa 

  1. Provide a forum for members of National Immunisation Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) to share country-specific immunisation policy-making experiences, and identify areas for collaboration and scientific capacity development 

  1. Foster communication and networking among African communities working in the fields of vaccines and immunization 

Highlights

There were many highlights during the 2022 course:

  1. To foster more engagements among participants, a debate session was introduced for the first time at the AAVC. The debate was on a topical issue around mandatory vaccination as part of the strategy to curb vaccine hesitancy.
  2. Another highlight was the increased numbers and engagement from the online participants. This increases the reach of AAVC to the continent.
  3. The faculty shared latest developments in vaccinology and discussed topical vaccinology challenges facing the continent.
  4. Applicants who could not be funded for in-person participation could access the course via Zoom live-streaming and included a further 40 participants. These participants were also awarded with a certificate for on-line participation.

 

AAVC17 Photo

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Future plans for the AAVC in 2023 

VACFA is encouraged by the continued positive feedback regarding this popular vaccinology course in Africa. The VACFA team will further develop the online pre-course contents with the aim of establishing a dedicated online vaccinology course to extend the reach of the AAVC, given the high demand for the course. In addition, VACFA is committed to continue partnering with the course alumni and the sponsors to strengthen development of vaccinology expertise in Africa. We are also applying for CPD accreditation which will contribute to the annual CUE required for health practitioners. Together with our partners, we look forward to an improved 18th AAVC in 2023