FY09 Strengthen National Immunization Programs and Regional Networks in the Latin America and Caribbean Region

The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to support the strengthening of national immunization programs and regional networks in the LAC region. This agreement will 1. Support surveillance in the LAC region for vaccine-preventable diseases and strengthen routine immunization delivery systems. 2. Build the capacity of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and local Ministries of Health to access critical information needed to make decisions about introducing new vaccines and monitoring the implementation of new and underutilized vaccines. 3. Improve health systems in underserved communities by increasing access to immunization services and promoting collaborations addressing the development of the LAC region surveillance and immunization programs, including building national capacity for vaccine adverse event surveillance. To avoid possible duplication, the implementation of this agreement will be done with consideration of other available resources and in collaboration with existing initiatives in any given country. For example, in the strengthening of surveillance systems it is also important to take into consideration the experience of the pre-existing networks in the region that work on the surveillance of vaccine adverse events, such as the SANEVA network, which includes both representatives from National Immunization Programs and National Regulatory Agencies.