Kingston, Jamaica, 05 February 2025 (PAHO) - The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), with support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has successfully completed a self-assessment of the country’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). This comprehensive review utilized the PAHO/World Health Organization (WHO) Performance Monitoring Tool to evaluate the effectiveness and resilience of Jamaica’s immunization efforts.
The assessment commenced in October 2024 and was carried out in three separate phases. Phase 1 involved the preparation of a situation analysis report on the national EPI. In Phase 2, the self-assessment methodology was implemented, providing a structured assessment of immunization processes. In the final phase, the findings were analyzed to identify gaps and challenges, leading to recommendations for strengthening the programme.
A key component of the self-assessment involved the application of targeted questionnaires across different levels of the health system. These questionnaires were designed to assess 14 core components of the EPI at the national level, across each of the four regional health authorities, and within health facilities. The exercise provided critical insights into immunization practices and operational strengths.
As part of the assessment, approximately 20 health facilities across all parishes were visited and reviewed. The assessment team was warmly welcomed by healthcare workers, who expressed enthusiasm and support for the initiative.
This effort builds upon a previous EPI self-assessment conducted in 2003, which resulted in 104 recommendations covering 11 of 13 core competencies. A significant number of those recommendations were successfully implemented, reflecting Jamaica’s sustained commitment to strengthening its immunization program.
The insights gained from this assessment will contribute to further enhancing the effectiveness of the EPI and ensuring continued progress in protecting public health through immunization.
