Overview


UNICEF, in close collaboration with global partners, has developed an e-learning course on vaccine procurement with a focus on the strategic vaccine procurement cycle and its processes. The course is intended to provide a background on key considerations for buyers on vaccine procurement to strengthen capacity to ensure sustainable access to and timely supply of affordable vaccines. Given the biological nature of vaccines, there are several distinct challenges that governments must consider. With further understanding of the vaccine development process, as well as an overview on manufacturing and markets, vaccine security – the sustainable access to affordable, quality assured vaccines – can be achieved.

UNICEF would like to acknowledge the collaboration of partners on this project, who provided both strategic input and guidance on the content, as well as relevant vaccine procurement information. These partners include the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturing Network (DCVMN), the Gates Foundation, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), PATH, World Bank and World Health Organization/PAHO. 

The course was coordinated by Krista Hund, Contracts Manager in Supply Division's Vaccine Centre. UNICEF would also like to give a special thanks to Heather Deehan and Yalda Momeni for their overall guidance and collaboration to the project. 


Audience

  • Procurement professionals 
  • Policy-makers 
  • Regulators 
  • Immunization finance managers
  • Government, civil society and corporate partners as appropriate
  • UNICEF staff (Country Offices, Regional Offices and HQ)
  • UNICEF partners


Length

The course is made up of seven modules and a final assessment for approximately 4 hours of total learning time. 


Methodology

This course is composed of an introductory module, six self-paced modules, and a final assessment section that tests the newly acquired knowledge. Each module introduces 'key messages' illustrated by interactive icons and short videos. The icons and videos walk the learner through the main concepts of each module, facilitating its understanding. The videos are available with or without audio, and a transcript is provided for all sections. A final assessment activity encourages you to reflect on the learning from each module, as well as the course as a whole.

Structure

This course is composed of 8 modules:

  1. Introductory Module
  2. Vaccine Manufacturing
  3. Regulatory Considerations for Vaccine Procurement
  4. Market Intelligence
  5. Forecasting, Planning and Budgeting
  6. Monitoring and Evaluation
  7. Strategic Vaccine Procurement
  8. Final Assessment

Course objectives

On completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Identify and understand the strategic vaccine procurement cycle, building blocks, tools and processes.
  • Gain the skills and knowledge required to develop and implement a strategic procurement approach.
  • Strengthen government partners’ ability to achieve vaccine security within their national programmes and institutions.


Additional Details
A pandemic response module is under development and will complement this e-course. More information to come during 2023.

Contact

For queries regarding the content of this course, please contact Krista Hund, Contracts Manager, VC, Supply Division at khund@unicef.org.

For AGORA technical issues and support: UNICEF staff to report an IT issue through the Service Gateway portal; for guest users, please address to agora@unicef.org.