Adverse Event Following Immunisation Causality Assessment Workshop group.

Strengthening vaccine safety in Lao PDR: NCIRS leads regional capacity-building workshop

NCIRS delivered an Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) Causality Assessment Workshop this week in Vang Vieng in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Lao Ministry of Health.

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and delivered with WHO, the workshop was designed to enhance Lao PDR’s expert ability to accurately investigate and classify AEFI, a critical component of any robust immunisation program, according to Professor Kristine Macartney, Director, NCIRS.  

‘Accurate investigation and classification of adverse events following immunisation is essential to maintaining public confidence in vaccines and ensuring strong program sustainability,’ she said. 

‘Working hand-in-hand to strengthen these capabilities in Lao, we are supporting the building of a safer, more resilient immunisation system that protects communities and promotes equity.’

The workshop equipped 25–30 Lao clinicians and specialists with the tools and knowledge they need to strengthen vaccine safety surveillance.

Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion principles were also integrated into training.

Following the workshop, high-level strategic meetings were held with key partners including representatives from the WHO Country Office, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and DFAT. 

These engagements will inform the design and delivery of NCIRS’s forward workplan in Lao PDR and the broader region, and showcased NCIRS’s technical leadership and commitment to collaborative global health efforts.

By building local capacity and fostering strong partnerships, NCIRS continues to support countries in the Pacific and across Southeast Asia to deliver safe, effective and equitable immunisation programs.

It also reinforces NCIRS’ role as a leader in global health in the region.