July 9, 2020, 16:00–17:00 hours CAT
BLN Virtual Panel Discussion: Immunization Service Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic | Lessons and Post-Pandemic Recovery Strategies from Malawi and Zambia
The BID Learning Network (BLN) is hosting a series of virtual panel discussions about immunization service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. We invite you to join a discussion about lessons and post-pandemic recovery strategies from Malawi and Zambia. This is the second in a series of three virtual panel discussions.
PRESENTERS
Mrs. Gift Aniyom
Gift Aniyom is a public health expert with more than a decade of experience in immunization, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and TB, with technical expertise in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), programming, and research. Between 2012 and 2015, Gift worked as an M&E specialist for the Global Fund and two USAID-funded projects with FHI360 and the Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNI). Over the past two years, she served as a WHO consultant for the measles campaign and outbreak response in Nigeria. Gift is innovative, keen on making an impact and is always willing to learn new things. She is the WHO scholar Nigeria alumni coordinator and serves as the BLN peer advisor. Gift holds a master’s degree in public health (MPH) and is currently a PhD research fellow in public health at the University of Calabar in Nigeria.
Dr. Francis Dien Mwansa
Dr. Francis Dien Mwansa is a medical doctor with a public health background. He completed his bachelor of medicine and surgery (MBChB) degree from the University of Zambia’s School of Medicine. Francis has received advanced training in vaccinology, pharmaceutical clinical development, and good clinical practices. He has held several leadership portfolios at a district level and has a deep understanding of the practical issues related to program implementation and management. Francis has a combination of field experience and technical expertise. He has in-depth knowledge of various aspects of the immunization program in Zambia including service delivery, program management, decision-making processes, and technical support. His areas of interest in immunization are service delivery, vaccine-preventable disease surveillance, new vaccine introduction, and M&E. He is currently Zambia’s national EPI manager.
Dr. Mike Chisema
Dr. Mike Chisema has been with the Malawi Ministry of Health since 2006, where he currently serves as deputy director of preventive health services as well as EPI program manager. Prior to this position, Dr. Chisema occupied the various positions at a district-level, which included posts as assistant environmental officer for Blantyre District, chief medical officer for Dedza District and director of health and social services in Ntcheu District. He has done research around child health, notably in treating young infants with serious bacterial infections where referrals are not likely. He loves to manage, provide, and support efficient and effective public health interventions targeting children and mothers. His MPH thesis focused on how the best EPI services can support the reduction of mother-to-child transmission of HIV through infancy. Dr. Chisema holds a diploma in environmental health and a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery (MBBS).