Over three decades as a midwife, nurse, and district coordinator for Nigeria's Primary Health Care Development Agency, Alawiyatu Usman Ibrahim traveled throughout Bauchi state, addressing vaccination barriers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she developed a system to find and vaccinate missed infants. A Boost Community member since 2021, she used knowledge from Boost courses and the COVID-19 Recovery for Routine Immunization Program Fellowship to set up a reconciliation system, identifying and vaccinating 300 zero-dose or defaulting children, later expanding to 96 settlements. Read more about Alawiyatu's work in the latest blog from Sabin's Brave & Bold Series.

In July, the World Health Organization and UNICEF released their 2023 Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC), revealing an increase in zero-dose children for both DTP3 and MCV1 compared to 2019, with rates falling short of Immunization Agenda 2030 goals. Gavi-supported countries show mixed results, with some experiencing increased zero-dose children while transitioning countries see inflated 2022 figures due to catch-up doses. Coverage for IPV and yellow fever remains inadequate, though HPV vaccination is nearing pre-pandemic levels. Ultimately, the data underscore the need for local action to improve immunization rates and systems globally and get back on track. Read the full results, access the data portal and other resources, as well as a webinar recording of the results.

Check out the Sabin Vaccine Institute’s Getting to Zero YouTube series, launched last year, which features updates on the state of global immunization, including stories from on the ground, elevating global health voices, funding opportunities, and more. Speaker include the Director of UNICEF, doctors, and country-level NGO leaders. Topics covered include HPV vaccination efforts, reaching marginalized communities, and building country-level consortiums. Getting to Zero is Sabin’s focus on reaching zero preventable infections through vaccinations. Follow Sabin on YouTube to join live sessions!

The Sabin Vaccine Institute is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal and Rising Star Award!

Since 1994, the Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal has been awarded to a distinguished individual or team of individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in the field of vaccinology or a complementary field. Our Rising Star award, launched in 2020, honors researchers under 40 whose work shows tremendous promise to advance immunization for the next generation.

As a Boost member, we invite you to submit candidates for consideration for the 2025 Gold Medal and Rising Star Award. To view recipient criteria and nominate a colleague or one of your heroes in the field, click the link below. All nominations must be submitted by October 18, 2024.

Nominations are held in strict confidence and will first be reviewed by a selection committee put together by Sabin leaders, and then voted on by our Board of Trustees. Awardees will be announced in early 2025. If you have questions, please email gold[email protected].

Engage with fellow Boost members and immunization colleagues on the Boost platform!

👉After reviewing the 2023 WHO and UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC), what activities will you need to change or add to reach zero-dose children?

Share your work and comment/like your peers' posts!

Check Out Boost's Learning Groups!

Boost's Learning Groups offer an intimate space to connect with fellow members, access valuable resources, and participate in insightful conversations.

Why Join a Learning Group?

• Relevant Topics: Engage in discussions on the most pertinent immunization topics.
• Networking: Connect with a global community of immunization professionals.
• Resources: Gain access to a wealth of resources, including articles, research papers, and tools.
• Webinars: Watch recordings of past webinars and participate in upcoming live sessions.

Join a Boost Learning Group today and become part of a vibrant, supportive network dedicated to advancing global health and immunization!

Be sure to check out our Boost Community calendar for more upcoming events!