What did we learn from Teach to Reach 9?

On 13 October 2023, 17,662 health professionals connected to meet, network, and learn together.

Join the eighth edition of Insights Live to discover what we are learning and how this learning is being translated into action.

View event time and confirm your participation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiVxdJxBuTw

Topics explored at Teach to Reach 9 include:
* Zero-dose children in urban settings
* Measles outbreak response
* HPV vaccination
* Manifesto for global health
* Neglected needs of women’s health
* Climate change and health

Request your invitation to Teach to Reach 10
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How do you identify and reach zero-dose children and underimmunised communities in conflict-affected border communities?

In this issue of The Double Loop, we follow one leader of the Movement for Immunization Agenda 2030, Dr Tusiime Ramadhan, whose volunteer, community-based organisation is doing precisely that on the Ugandan side of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Since Dr Tusiime joined the Movement for IA2030, his organisation has increased the number of children vaccinated each month from twenty to sixty.

This is the sixth in a series of cases following exceptional Movement for IA2030 leaders: including Wasnam Faye (Senegal), Maryam Idris (Nigeria), Franck Monga (Democratic Republic of Congo), María Monzón (Argentina), and Kingsley Nignere (Ghana).

Learn more about The Double Loop, the Geneva Learning Foundation’s global health insights newsletter
https://www.learning.foundation/loop

Follow this link to read and respond to his story
https://learningsi.notion.site/012-6-Leaders-of-the-Movement-for-Immunization-Agenda-2030-IA2030-Dr-Tusiime-Ramadhan-50e7a34f334d44f483096b864ab4d8a4

Share Dr Tusiime’s story on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter.

Did you miss it? Catch up on Insights Live: what we learned from Teach to Reach 9
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Dear Scholars of the Geneva Learning Foundation,

As you celebrate the radiant festival of Diwali on the 12th of November, we extend our warmest wishes to all our learners and alumni who observe this special occasion.

May the luminous glow of Diwali fill your hearts and homes with joy, prosperity, and the triumph of light over darkness.

We appreciate and honor the rich diversity of beliefs and cultures that enrich our global community. Together, we stand united in our shared pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

In the spirit of unity and renewal, let us come together to embrace the blessings of this auspicious festival. May the light of Diwali illuminate your path, and may the warmth of its traditions strengthen your bonds with one another.

As families gather to light lamps, exchange gifts, and share in delicious feasts, may you reflect on the beauty of life and the power of unity. May this Diwali bring you inner peace, happiness, and the assurance of a bright future.

From the Geneva Learning Foundation, our heartfelt wishes for a joyous and prosperous Diwali.

Happy Diwali!

In the heart of the night, a spark ignites,
A festival of lights, in radiant heights,
Diwali’s here, with its joy so bright,
Bringing hope and love, in the soft moonlight.

As diyas flicker and rangolis gleam,
May your life be filled with a radiant dream,
With laughter, happiness, and a joyful stream,
Happy Diwali, may it truly beam!

With family and friends, may you unite,
In the warmth of love, so pure and right,
May blessings and prosperity take flight,
On this Diwali, shining ever so bright.

Let this festival of lights, so divine,
Illuminate your path, make your heart entwine,
With peace and joy, may your spirit shine,
Happy Diwali, a celebration so fine!

Wishing you a Happy Diwali filled with light, love, and joy!

#COP28 #ClimateCrisis and #health – through the eyes of health workers in the Global South

Samuel Chukwuemeka Obasi, a health professional from Nigeria:
“Going back home to the community where I grew up as a child, I was shocked to see that most of the rivers we used to swim and fish in have all dried up, and those that are still there have become very shallow so that you can easily walk through a river you required a boat to cross in years past.”

In July 2023, more than 1200 health workers from 68 countries shared their experiences of changes in climate and health, at a unique event designed to shed light on the realities of climate impacts on the health of the communities they serve.

Before, during and after COP28, we are sharing health workers’ observations and insights.

Follow The Geneva Learning Foundation to learn how climate change is affecting health in multiple ways:

* How extreme weather events can lead to tragic loss of life.

* How changing weather patterns are leading to crop failures and malnutrition, and forcing people to abandon their homes.

* How infectious diseases are surging as mosquitoes proliferate and water sources are contaminated.

* How climate stresses are particularly problematic for those with existing health conditions, like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

* How climate impacts are having a devastating effect on mental health as people’s ways of life are destroyed.

* How climate change is changing the very fabric of society, driving displacement and social hardship that undermines health and wellbeing.

* How a volatile climate is disrupting the delivery of essential health services and people’s ability to access them.

We will finish the series with inspiring stories of how health workers are already responding to such challenges, working with communities to counter the effects of a changing climate.

On 1 December 2023, TGLF will be publishing a compendium and analysis of these 1200 contributions – On the frontline of climate change and health: A health worker eyewitness report.

This landmark report – a global first – kickstarts our campaign to ensure that health workers in the Global South are recognized as:

* The people already having to manage the impacts of climate change on health.

* An essential voice to listen to in order to understand climate impacts on health.

* A potentially critical group to work with to protect the health of communities in the face of a changing climate.

Before, during, and after COP28, we are advocating for the recognition and support of health workers as trusted advisers to communities bearing the brunt of climate change effects on health.

Learn more: https://www.learning.foundation/cop28

We have a lot to share on climate and health for #COP28.

The best way to ensure you do not miss anything?

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Climate change is hurting the health of those we serve.

Before, during, and after #COP28, your colleagues are sharing their stories about the challenges they face.
These stories deserve to be heard.

This is how you can show your solidarity:

1. Go to any of the Foundation’s channels on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, or Instagram.
2. Find the stories shared by your colleagues about climate and health.
3. Comment on at least one story. You can also “Like” if you are short on time.
4. Repost the story so that your colleagues also see it.
5. Do not forget to subscribe (see how) and turn on notifications for each channel. This is so you do not miss out on future stories.

You can also share this Call to action with your colleagues on WhatsApp. (Click on the blue, underlined link.)

Yesterday, I shared our COP28 invitation and Call to action.

Were you able to answer at least one of the questions?

Investing in the health workforce is vital to face climate change: A new report shares insights from over 1,200 on the frontline

Learn from the observations of 1200+ health workers from 68 countries on the frontline of climate change.

Get the new report from The Geneva Learning Foundation.
https://www.learning.foundation/cop28

Read the press release: Investing in the health workforce is vital to tackle climate change: A new report shares insights from over 1,200 on the frontline
https://redasadki.me/2023/12/01/investing-in-the-health-workforce-is-vital-to-face-climate-change-a-new-report-shares-insights-from-over-1200-on-the-frontline/

Listen to the voices of health workers at Teach to Reach 9
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJRLgTsBr5E

Direct report download: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10204660

Follow this link to learn more https://www.learning.foundation/cop28

#COP28 #ClimateCrisis #HealthWorkforce #LocallyLed

Ten eyewitness reports from the frontline of climate change and health
The Geneva Learning Foundation (TGLF) has created a platform enabling health workers to describe the impacts of climate change on their local communities. Here are ten of the most striking reports.

https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/ten-eyewitness-reports-frontline-climate-change-and-health

TODAY: Join the Geneva Learning Foundation and partners in the #COP28 Health Pavilion in Dubai

From Community to Planet: Health professionals on the frontlines of climate change
Time: 13:30-14:45pm Gulf Standard Time (GST)
Where: Health Pavilion (COP28)

This panel gathers global leaders on the intersection of health, environment and education to speak to lessons learned from their local to national advocacy, the promise of Planetary Health education, as well as its limits.

Topics range from how to effectively train health professionals in Planetary Health leadership roles, upending current paradigms of health educational pedagogy, greenwashing and its role on health and children's education, and youth perspectives on implementing the Planetary Health declaration.

Speakers:

The Geneva Learning Foundation (TGLF) and Teach to Reach – Charlotte Mbuh

Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment – Dr. Joe Vipond

Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education – Dr. Cecilia Sorensen

International Society of Doctors for the Environment – Dr. Courtney Howard

Sunway Centre for Planetary Health – Dr. Jemilah Mahmood

COP27 Presidency Team - COP27 President Envoy on Youth – Dr. Omnia El Omrani

The livestream link will be shared as soon as we have it.

Learn more about the special event “From Community to Planet: Health professionals on the frontlines of climate change” https://www.learning.foundation/climate

We are pleased to share the recording of TGLF at the COP28 Health Pavilion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMTMaMBOq-E

On Universal Health Coverage Day, join immunization and Primary Health Care (#PHC) professionals from health facilities, districts, and national and global teams in a special event to learn how, together, we are mutually strengthening immunization and PHC.

Learn more & request your invitation
https://www.learning.foundation/uhc

Dear Christian Community of The Geneva Learning Foundation,

As you gather to celebrate the wondrous occasion of Christmas, we extend our warmest wishes to all our alumni who observe this cherished holiday. May the joyous spirit of Christmas fill your hearts and homes with love, peace, and the warmth of shared moments.

We recognize and celebrate the rich tapestry of beliefs and cultures within our global community of learning for action. United in our pursuit of knowledge and experience that will help us lead change, we draw strength from our diversity and shared values.

In this season of goodwill and reflection, let us come together to cherish the blessings of family, friendship, and community. May the spirit of Christmas light up your lives, bringing comfort, hope, and a sense of togetherness.

As families and friends gather to exchange gifts, sing carols, and partake in festive meals, let us reflect on the profound messages of Christmas. May this time bring you inner peace, joy, and the promise of a bright and prosperous future.

From all of us at The Geneva Learning Foundation, we send you our heartfelt wishes for a merry and fulfilling Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

In the quiet of a winter's night, a star shines bright,
A celebration of love, in Christmas light,
The season's here, with its cheerful sight,
Bringing warmth and joy, in the cold night's flight.

As trees are adorned and stockings hung with care,
May your life be graced with moments to share,
With laughter, joy, and love so rare,
Merry Christmas, may it be a splendid affair!

With loved ones near, may your hearts unite,
In the glow of Christmas, serene and bright,
May blessings and joy take their wondrous flight,
On this Christmas Day, a truly magical sight.

Let this time of giving, so heartfelt and kind,
Illuminate your path, and peace of mind,
With happiness and love, may your lives entwine,
Merry Christmas, a celebration of the most divine!

Illustration: The Geneva Learning Foundation Collection © 2023

Dear Scholars of the Geneva Learning Foundation,

As 2024 begins, we hope for new beginnings in a troubled world.

We begin by honoring Scholars on the frontlines of war, disease, disasters, and injustice.

The urgent need for new ways to learn and lead is self-evident, as facts separated from contexts of inequality and suffering ring hollow.

True learning integrates the lived challenges of communities.

In 2024, connecting global knowledge to local action – and ensuring local wisdom anchors global solutions – is key to making sense amid chaos.

Tens of thousands have already responded to the Foundation’s call to realize the potential of education as a philosophy for change.

Your unwavering dedication as practitioners calls for continuity.

So do the complex threats that engulf our hyperconnected age.

In 2024, we re-commit to championing contexts as rich learning spaces.

To propagating ground-up solutions flowing from embedded expertise.

And to steeling collective will for breakthroughs when unlikely allies unite across borders.

By interweaving disparate voices, aligned action ensues.

We will persist in building bridges between global thought and local change.

Between policies and frontline realities they impact.

Between systems to be transformed and change agents embedded within.

Interconnected learning lights hopeful paths forward.

We move into 2024 firmly believing that networked care and wisdom can redeem the times.

Will you continue boldly seeking answers with us, wherever the need is greatest?

In solidarity and care,

The Geneva Learning Foundation

Gavi Zero-Dose Learning Hub
Equity in Action: Local Strategies for Reaching Zero-Dose Children and Communities

Follow this link to register https://jsi.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Iyg-aNo_Tz6SHctnFLiFnQ#/registration

Real-world stories from the frontlines reveal how practitioners in Bangladesh, Mali, Nigeria, and Uganda are developing tailored local solutions to bring equity to immunization.

Join The Geneva Learning Foundation (TGLF) and Gavi’s Zero-Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) for an interactive session that analyzes real-world strategies for identifying and reaching zero-dose children across urban areas, conflict zones, and other marginalized communities.

During this webinar, attendees will learn how practitioners are overcoming barriers to reach zero-dose children through unique approaches to identification, microplanning, community engagement, and integrated services.

In addition, learning and immunization specialists will highlight opportunities to turn these real-world stories from lessons learned into actionable, replicable strategies that can be applied at the community and sub-national levels.

Attendees will leave the webinar with a new understanding of how local activities can inform global efforts to leave no child behind.

Simultaneous translation into French will be available.

Speaker(s):
- Heidi Reynolds, Senior Specialist, Evaluation and Learning, Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance
- Jenny Sequeira, Immunization and Strategic Technical Advisor, TGLF, ZDLH
- Reda Sadki, Learning Science Specialist, CEO, TGLF, ZDLH
- Frontline health workers from Bangladesh, Mali, Nigeria, and Uganda

Comment, like and repost on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram.

What difference can peer-led learning and action make for national EPI planners seeking new strategies to support HPV vaccine introduction or reintroduction?

The stakes are high: HPV vaccination efforts, if successful, will avert 3.4 million deaths by 2030.

On Friday, EPI focal points for HPV and other national-level MOH colleagues from 31 countries convened under the banner of the Movement for Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), which connects over 60,000 primarily sub-national health staff worldwide.

This time, it was national HPV vaccination focal points and other national EPI planners who joined to share experience between countries of ‘what works’ (and how).

They also discussed how the Geneva Learning Foundation’s unique peer learning-to-action pathway could help them overcome barriers they are facing to ensure that local communities understand and support the benefits of this vaccine.

Such a pathway can complement existing, top-down forms of vertical technical assistance and may provide a new ‘lever’ for national planners.
In June and October 2023, health workers – primarily from districts and facilities – in over 60 countries shared 298 lessons learned and success stories about HPV vaccination in the Foundation’s Teach to Reach peer learning events. Watch the video: Why HPV matters for women who deliver vaccines.

The active participation of national EPI managers from Burkina Faso and key stakeholders Sierra Leone led to the consultative engagement in January.

Although HPV vaccine is not new, the global community’s effort to introduce it has been stymied by a number of factors.

Doing what has been done before is unlikely to produce the change that is needed.

For example, it remains unclear how early gains achieved through campaigns can sustainably become part of routine immunization.

TGLF’s Insights Unit will now produce a short summary of key learning from this inter-country peer learning exchange, which will be shared back with participants.

If you are interested in learning more about the Movement for Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) or the Geneva Learning Foundation’s HPV vaccination learning-to-action pathway, please do get in touch.

Read the blog post: https://redasadki.me/2024/01/16/movement-for-immunization-agenda-2030-ia2030-national-epi-leaders-from-31-countries-share-experience-of-hpv-vaccination/

You are cordially invited to join Teach to Reach 9 Insights Live with Orin Levine.

Follow this link to access the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-mloZjjQ5o

In this dialogue, we will explore what we learned from Teach to Reach 9 on 13 October 2023.

17,662 health professionals – over 80% from districts and facilities, half working for government – participated in this massive, online peer learning event.

Teach to Reach 9 Contributors shared 940 experiences.

What can we learn from a global network of peers who share their experiences? Why should global partners pay attention to such learning?

Dr. Orin Levine, Non Resident Fellow at the Center for Global Development, will join us, together with Teach to Reach 9 Contributors from all over the world.

Discussion topics that we will explore together, grounded in real-world experiences shared by Teach to Reach 9 participants, include:
• Best practices and challenges faced by mobile vaccination teams
• Effective management of parental concerns over vaccine side effects
• Use of data systems and technology to identify and target zero-dose children
• Productive partnerships with community structures to advance immunization
• Strategies for coping with stockouts and bringing back hesitant parents
• Equipment and transportation barriers faced by healthcare workers
• Leveraging mobile phones, social media to bolster vaccine coverage
• Drivers of vaccine wastage and potential solutions
• Applying learnings from disease outbreaks to fill immunization gaps
• Fostering accountability among health workers and parents

Get 940 Teach to Reach 9 Experiences
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10062521

Request your invitation now for Teach to Reach 10
https://www.learning.foundation/teachtoreach

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The Geneva Learning Foundation’s research has shown that the lack of continuous learning opportunities hinders immunization performance at all levels of the health system.

Insights Live is one of a set of interventions aimed at strengthening continuous learning.

Learn more about motivation, learning culture, and programme performance
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7004304

Help your colleagues learn by inviting them to join Insights Live on YouTube. Follow the links for WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.

How are we doing on Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030)? Recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is, so far, generally insufficient to achieve IA2030 targets.

WHO’s 154th Executive Board meeting provided a sobering picture of how the COVID-19 pandemic reversed decades of progress in expanding global immunization coverage and controlling vaccine-preventable diseases.

Widening inequities between and within countries and over 3 million more zero-dose children in 2022 compared to 2019.

You may be surprised to read what WHO contends needs to change to get back on track.

Follow this link to read a quick summary https://redasadki.me/2024/02/05/widening-inequities-immunization-agenda-2030-remains-off-track/