Kingston, Jamaica, 26 March 2025 (PAHO) – In a strategic effort to advance the implementation of Jamaica’s Electronic Immunization Registry (EIR), the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), UNICEF, and Palladium, hosted a workshop on risk management and mitigation in February. The collaboration identified and addressed key challenges that could impede the successful implementation of the EIR and, by extension, the country’s immunization program.
The workshop brought together 25 participants, including representatives from the MOHW EIR Project Implementation Unit, the Expanded Programme on Immunization, and regional health authorities. Over 80 identified risks were reviewed, with 23 critical ones prioritized. These risks were assessed within the framework of the WHO/International Telecommunication Union Digital Health Building Blocks, which define the enabling ecosystem for digital health interventions. Key areas of focus included leadership and governance, strategy and investment, legislation, policy and compliance, and workforce readiness.
Participants engaged in interactive exercises to evaluate risks and develop targeted mitigation strategies, strengthening both risk governance and operational efficiency. As a direct outcome, the insights gained are now shaping the development of a structured EIR Risk Management and Mitigation Plan, which will ensure accountability and guide decision-making throughout the EIR’s rollout and implementation.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to modernize Jamaica’s immunization services, enhance health system resilience, and support the broader process of digitization underway in Jamaica. This collaboration builds on previous workshops convened in 2024, supported by the Government of Canada’s CanGIVE initiative, which aims to increase vaccine access for vulnerable populations.
By proactively addressing risks, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness continues to strengthen its commitment to a data-driven immunization program that ensures equitable vaccine access for all.
