Immunisation health workforce capacity building in Southeast Asia: reflections from training programme implementation in Cambodia and Lao PDR

The Immunization Agenda 2030 emphasises the need for a motivated, skilled and knowledgeable workforce equipped to plan, manage, implement and monitor immunisation programmes at all levels. The rapid introduction of COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic highlighted the adaptability of the health workforce but also exposed gaps in professional development and learning. This practice paper describes the implementation of an immunisation training programme in the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The programme was developed and delivered by the project team in partnership with local stakeholders and technical experts. A country-centric approach ensured that training programmes met each country's needs, while input from technical experts ensured an evidence-based programme that aligned with international standards. There were 445 training participants from professional groups across various levels and sectors of the health system. Training curricula included a range of differentiated training modules which aimed to build knowledge and skills to drive increased vaccine demand, improve service delivery and optimise monitoring and evaluation of programmes. The Gavi Learning and Performance Management framework supported a structured reflection of programme strengths, limitations and opportunities. Strengths were the country-centric and learner-centric approach and the high technical quality of the programme. The pandemic context necessitated agility and adaptation to meet changing country needs and priorities, however, this introduced some limitations. Future training programmes should undertake an enhanced assessment of training needs, workforce and digital capabilities and learning and performance management systems, alongside the development of country-driven immunisation workforce training roadmaps to ensure optimal impact and sustainability.