In African countries, the immunization department within the Ministry of Health (MoH) is generally referred to as the “Expanded Programme on Immunization” (EPI). Responsible for all aspects of vaccination to prevent, control, eliminate and eradicate disease, the country-level EPIs are guided by World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Effective oversight and coordination of immunization programmes by government and partners are critical to achieving national immunization goals, including improving vaccination coverage and equity. National coordination forums, including interagency coordinating committees (ICCs) and health sector coordinating committees (HSCCs) – although the name may vary from country to country – play an essential role in this work.
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