By: Omotola Akindipe, and the WHO Angola polio team
At a time where collective efforts can signal the difference between success and failure, partnerships have emerged as crucial in national vaccination campaigns. This blog explores the instrumental role played by partnerships in the recent polio campaign in Angola, highlighting a tool for fostering trust and reciprocal benefits for future initiatives in the African region
Collaboration: The Angolan Chapter
When a country sets an ambitious goal - like Angola did between 8-11 of September 2023, aiming to vaccinate over 5.4 million children against polio - it requires a level of synergy that goes beyond geographical and organizational boundaries. The recently concluded campaign stands as a testimony to what can be achieved when global entities like the World Health Organization (WHO) align with a network of dependable partners as well as the government.
Drawing upon the strong foundations built as part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and partners such as UNICEF, the campaign emerged as a display of integrated efforts. These relationships allowed for a seamless orchestration of logistics and resources.
Moreover, the campaign was significantly bolstered by the support from the private sector, with several companies and suppliers chipping in with transportation assistance, ensuring the last mile delivery was not just a dream but a reality. The Private University of Angola also stepped up, contributing by proving venues for trainings as well as providing students for independent monitoring, thereby amplifying the human resources necessary for a campaign of this magnitude.
Building Upon Mutual Benefits and Trust
"Trust is the highest form of human motivation. It brings out the very best in people" - as noted by Stephen R. Covey, demonstrates the essence of fruitful partnerships. It is important to recognise that these partnerships are a two-way street, thriving on reciprocal benefits and sustained trust. Keeping these collaborations alive and nurturing them should be viewed as a strategic must, not a mere formality.
In this spirit, the Angola campaign sets a precedence, fostering a culture where partners are acknowledged for their contributions, creating a vibrant culture that is mutually beneficial and, more importantly, geared towards the common goal of health for all.
A Pan-African Vision: Expanding the Partnership Horizon
As we move towards the future, there lies an immense opportunity for WHO in the African region to further galvanize these partnerships, extending the outreach and impact across the African continent. The task at hand is to craft a strategy that encompasses a broader spectrum of collaborators, involving academia, community organizations, and private sectors, creating a cohesive force that can tackle the multifaceted challenges of mass vaccination campaigns.
Towards a Healthier Future Through Strengthened Partnerships.
As we reflect on the success story in Angola, it becomes evident that at the core of any successful vaccination campaign lies the spirit of collaboration. By expanding on these alliances, fostering trust, and creating avenues for mutual growth, WHO can spearhead a movement that transcends national boundaries, carving a path for a healthier, polio-free Africa.
References
1. Covey, Stephen R. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." Simon and Schuster, 1989.