# Overview of the Nigeria IA2030 Collaborative Consultation with Government Staff ## Background and Context The Nigeria Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) Collaborative was launched in July 2024 by The Geneva Learning Foundation (TGLF) in partnership with UNICEF and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). This innovative initiative aims to mobilize health workers and organizations across Nigeria to improve immunization outcomes, with a particular focus on identifying and reaching zero-dose children in high-priority, fragile contexts. The Collaborative uses a digital-first, peer learning approach to connect health professionals, facilitate knowledge sharing, and drive local action. In its first two weeks, it engaged over 4,000 health workers from all 36 states and FCT, reaching more than 300 Local Government Areas (LGAs). ## Purpose of the Consultation This consultation, held on September 9, 2024, was specifically organized to gather insights from government staff involved in immunization activities. The goal was to understand: 1. How the Collaborative can work effectively with government health agencies at the state and local levels 2. The current level of engagement and impact of the Collaborative 3. Potential areas for improvement and future directions The consultation revealed both the potential and challenges of the Nigeria IA2030 Collaborative. While participants recognized its value in skill-building and knowledge sharing, there is a clear need for stronger organizational integration and formal endorsement. The insights gathered will be crucial in shaping the future direction of the Collaborative, ensuring it aligns closely with government priorities and effectively contributes to improving immunization outcomes across Nigeria. ## Examples of Participants and Their Roles Attendees reflect a diverse range of health professionals from various government institutions across Nigeria, including hospitals, teaching hospitals, and primary health care agencies. Most attended in a personal capacity, with a few authorized to represent their employers. ## Current Engagement and Impact - Many participants reported that their organizations had not yet formally endorsed the Collaborative - Some, like Usman Mohamed, had written letters seeking permission for organizational involvement but were still awaiting responses - Becky Tagbo mentioned successfully getting staff from her institution, including the director, to enroll in the last exercise ### Integration with Existing Structures - Maman Dauda reported integrating Collaborative activities with existing micro-planning processes - There was evidence of the Collaborative’s impact on data use and decision-making at local levels ### Individual Benefits Participants noted several personal benefits from their involvement: - Enhanced problem-solving skills - Improved understanding of root causes for immunization challenges - Increased confidence in addressing vaccine hesitancy ## Challenges and Opportunities ### Challenges 1. **Organizational Buy-in**: Many participants faced challenges in securing formal organizational endorsement 2. **Integration with Existing Mechanisms**: There is a need for better alignment with current government processes and structures 3. **Awareness**: Some participants were new to the Collaborative, indicating a need for broader outreach ### Opportunities 1. **Capacity Building**: The Collaborative offers unique opportunities for skill development and knowledge sharing 2. **Cross-sector Collaboration**: Potential to improve coordination between government agencies, CSOs, and private sector partners 3. **Data Utilization**: Opportunities to enhance the use of local data for decision-making and targeted interventions ## Recommendations for Future Engagement Based on the consultation, several recommendations emerged: 1. **Formal Endorsement**: Provide support letters from NPHCDA or UNICEF to facilitate organizational buy-in 2. **Integration with Government Mechanisms**: Develop specific plans to embed Collaborative activities within NPHCDA and SPHCDA processes 3. **Targeted Training**: Offer training on integrating Collaborative methodologies (e.g., Root Cause Analysis) into routine work 4. **Expanded Networking**: Create state-specific or regional networking channels to facilitate knowledge sharing 5. **Measurement and Evaluation**: Implement robust systems to track the impact of Collaborative activities on immunization outcomes ## Alignment with Future Plans The consultation findings align closely with the proposed expansion plans for the Collaborative, particularly: 1. The emphasis on integrating with existing government structures 2. The focus on building local capacity and fostering peer learning 3. The goal of reaching 5,000 to 50,000 health workers, depending on the level of engagement 4. The aim to contribute significantly to reducing the number of zero-dose children in Nigeria