Webinar | Local microplanning: Key to achieving universal coverage of the EPI in the Americas

Webinar | Local microplanning: Key to achieving universal coverage of the EPI in the Americas
Webinar microplanning on immunization

Survey

We invite you to participate in this survey https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/bMfbVEzd aims to collect information on the use, experience, and lessons learned from the implementation of microplanning for immunization activities in the countries and territories of the Region of the Americas. We will not ask for your name, and all responses will be kept non-identifiable to ensure confidentiality. Your inputs will help the Comprehensive Immunization Program (CIM) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) understand the level of adoption of microplanning tools, identify good practices, recognize challenges, and guide future technical strengthening efforts.

We appreciate your participation and the time dedicated (less than 15 minutes) to provide valuable information to improve the microplanning process and, consequently, the quality of vaccination services in the Region. For any additional questions, you may contact Carlos Castañeda-Orjuela at castanecar@paho.org. The link will be available up to December 23th.


Rewatch the webinar

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Broadcast on

Wednesday, 10 December 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (EST)


Context

Microplanning has become an essential component for strengthening the operational capacity of immunization programs. It allows vaccination activities to be adapted to local realities, optimizes the use of resources, and ensures equitable access.

PAHO has developed a new Microplanning Guide, accompanied by three complementary tools that support the implementation of EPI strategies at the local level, where actions are carried out to make vaccines available to the entire population.

This webinar seeks to disseminate these advances and promote the exchange of experiences among countries in the Region, highlighting the role of local teams as key actors in achieving immunization goals and preventing vaccine-preventable diseases.

In addition, a regional survey will be presented to National Immunization Programs, aimed at gathering information on progress in the application of microplanning, the use of national or regional tools, and the main lessons learned. These inputs will guide the strengthening of technical cooperation between countries, based on the documentation and systematization of their experiences.


Webinar objectives

  • Present and discuss with National Immunization Programs the new Microplanning Guide developed by PAHO, which offers practical guidance and integrated tools to support operational planning for vaccination strategies: routine, preventive campaigns, and outbreak response.
  • Share experiences of microplanning implementation by national teams, highlighting lessons learned, innovations, and good practices that can serve as a reference for other countries.
  • Promote technical exchange and regional cooperation to strengthen national capacities in adopting and adapting the microplanning process and its tools, with the aim of closing immunization gaps in the Region.

Agenda

Tema

Panelistas

9:30 a.m. (EST)

Welcome remarks

Daniel Salas, Executive Manager, Comprehensive Immunization Special Program, PAHO

9:40 a.m. (EST)

Guide to microplanning immunization activities

Carlos Castañeda-Orjuela, Consultant, Comprehensive Immunization Special Program, PAHO

9:55 a.m. (EST)

Technical cooperation and progress in implementation at the regional level

Carlos Daniel Torres, Regional Advisor, Comprehensive Immunization Special Program, PAHO

10:05 a.m. (EST)

Presentation of implementation experiences from participating countries

Invited countries

Microplanning for routine programs, campaigns, and outbreak response

  • Guatemala: Routine microplanning (Sandy Cano, Coordinator of the National Immunization Program, Ministry of Health of Guatemala)
  • Paraguay: Campaign microplanning (Pablo Monges, Head of the Department of Supervision of the National Program for Immunization-Preventable Diseases and Expanded Program on Immunization of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Wellness of Paraguay)
  • Colombia: Microplanning for outbreak response (Jacqueline Palacios González, national PAI microplanning representative)

10:50 a.m. (EST)

Questions and answers

Plenary

11:20 a.m. (EST)

Commitments and next steps

Hugo Rázuri

Deputy Manager, Comprehensive Immunization Special Program, PAHO

11:30 a.m. (EST)

End of session

 

For other cities, check the local time at this link.