In an ongoing effort to strengthen public health, Angola is drawing up the new National Immunization Strategy (ENV), designed to consolidate the progress already made and tackle the persistent challenges in the field of immunization. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Health, has the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), GAVI, the Global Alliance for Vaccines, and other strategic partners. The aim is clear: to make universal vaccination a humanly possible reality. 

According to Dr. Alda de Sousa, the National Immunization Coordinator, ENV represents an essential milestone in achieving equitable and effective vaccination coverage throughout the country, filling existing gaps and anticipating future needs. 

“The current state of vaccination in Angola continues to represent a significant challenge. We are the third country in Africa with the highest number of unvaccinated children. Faced with this scenario, and as part of several ongoing initiatives, we have embraced African Vaccination Week with commitment, the motto of which is ‘Vaccination for all is humanly possible’, which we have taken on as a national commitment too,” she said adding that “This week, we’ve carried out several zero-dose child recovery actions across the country to ensure that no child is left behind.  We also held this workshop dedicated to one of the pillars of the new strategy: financial planning.” 

With the end of the Multi-Year Comprehensive Immunization Plan (PPAC 2016-2020), in June 2022, the Ministry of Health began drawing up the new ENV, covering the period from 2025 to 2029. Therefore, the main aim of this week’s workshop is to validate the ENV’s monitoring and evaluation framework and to estimate further the financial resources needed for its full implementation.

Dr. Maria Quaresma Gomes, WHO immunization officer, highlighted the importance of the new strategy as a reflection of the national commitment to public health. 

“The ENV is a testament to Angola’s commitment to strengthening immunization and equitable vaccination coverage. We highlight the collaborative effort and participatory approach shaping this strategy, which will ensure that all stakeholders have a voice in the process and that vaccination becomes accessible to all,” she said.

The ENV is expected to result in a realistic budget proposal, a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, and the clear identification of needs in terms of human, financial, and logistical resources.

The cost estimate validation workshop, held during African Vaccination Week celebrated between April 24 and 30, is critical for the effective implementation of the vaccination plan. It analyzed the costs of each activity planned for the next five years to ensure effective budget planning and the improvement of the monitoring and evaluation system, which are fundamental aspects for successfully implementing the strategy.

The following steps include a Budget Dialogue with partners and funders, culminating in the formal approval and adoption of the National Immunization Strategy by the Ministry of Health.

With this firm step, Angola is reaffirming its commitment to the health and well-being of its people, especially children. 

The new National Vaccination Strategy represents not just a technical plan, but a shared vision of a future in which all people, in every corner of the country, have equitable access to life-saving vaccines.