Joint performance bi-annual review on Gavi-funded immunization project
Jinka, Ethiopia – August 2025
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church Development and Inter-Church Aid Commission (EOC-DICAC), through its RISE (Reaching Immunization Success through Empowerment) Project, in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, conducted its bi-annual joint performance review meeting in Jinka Town, South Ethiopia Region. The meeting took place at Goh Hotel on August 26, 2025, bringing together key stakeholders, regional health representatives, project implementers, partner organizations working in the South Ethiopia Region and community leaders.
The RISE project, which began implementation in 2025, targets the identification and vaccination of Zero Dose (ZD) and Under-Vaccinated (UV) children in underserved areas of South Ethiopia. These include South Omo (Nyangatom, Bena Tsemay, and Malle), Ari (South Ari, North Ari, and Woba Ari), Konso (Karat Zuria), Basketo (Basketo Zuria), Burji (Soyama Zuria), and Alle (Kolango Zuria) Zones.
Opening the event, EOC-DICAC Commissionaire, Mr. Yilikal Shiferaw, highlighted that the forum provides a vital platform for government agencies, civil society organizations, and community groups to assess progress, share lessons, and enhance collaboration in expanding access to life-saving vaccines.
The six-month performance report of the RISE Project was presented by Dr. Achenef Kidane, highlighting progress, achievements, and challenges in expanding immunization coverage across the South Ethiopia Region.
An in-depth discussion session was held focused on the project’s performance, best practices, existing gaps, and challenges, as well as strategies to accelerate implementation. Participants stressed that the review is essential for ensuring accountability, continuous improvement, and stronger outreach to vulnerable communities.
Stakeholders underscored the importance of stronger multi-sector collaboration, improved service delivery, and community engagement to reach the project’s overall target of 16,892 zero-dose children which moving the six-month zero-dose performance from 35.5% coverage to 100% by the end of the project duration.
As the meeting concluded, stakeholders agreed to define future goals and priorities to ensure the project continues to deliver measurable impact on the health and well-being of children in hard-to-reach areas.
The program also featured a photo exhibition, showcasing achievements and the ongoing implementation of the RISE project.