Developed jointly by UNICEF and WHO, the Immunization eLearning Initiative provides all immunization staff with access to training in areas deemed vital to the advancement of the Global Vaccine Action Plan and its vision that everyone live a life free from vaccine preventable disease.

In this course, you will practice the decision-making needed to determine whether and what solar-powered cold chain equipment should be used at the country and facility-level. You will also explore some of the ways that advance planning and budgeting for solar-powered equipment can save time, reduce costs, increase the longevity of the product, and safeguard the cold chain. This course is based on the guidance document developed by WHO and UNICEF on this topic.

To complete the course, you will consider the details of fictional locations. Scenarios begin at the country-level, and then focus on the needs and obstacles at specific facilities. You will be making decisions as manager in a national immunization program, but the information and skills covered in this course are also useful to technical assistance providers supporting these managers.

Cover image: © UNICEF/UN0348999/Obel

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Determine whether solar should be considered as a solution within a country. 
  • Identify factors that would make a facility a candidate for solar-powered equipment.
  • Select the most appropriate energy source and cold chain equipment category for vaccine storage for a facility. 
  • Identify common obstacles to receiving, distribution, installation, operation, and maintenance of solar-powered equipment.

Audience

This course is intended for UNICEF and WHO staff working in immunization across all levels of the organization (headquarters, regional, sub-regional, and country). It is also open to consultants and partners working in support of immunization.

It is recommended that immunization staff include the Immunization eLearning Initiative courses as part of their professional development plan. Discuss with your supervisor to include this training curriculum as part of your 2016 goals.

Length

This course includes one module with a duration of approximately 60 minutes. 

Methodology

This course is composed of self-guided, interactive scenarios designed in collaboration with subject matter experts.

Structure

This course is intended to provide valuable short-format learning. It includes one brief e-learning module.

Contact details

For questions or feedback on this programme, please contact Michelle Seidel at mseidel@unicef.org