From May 22-25, 2024, in Al-Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, ISEET collaborated with the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Iraq and received invaluable support from UNICEF to conduct a successful four-day workshop. This gathering was a testament to the collective efforts of key stakeholders, including the MoH, UNICEF, WHO, and EMPHNET, who came together to define the functionalities and features of the Integrated Immunization Supply Chain Management Information System (ISCMIS).

The ISCMIS, known as Immunify, is revolutionizing vaccine management in Iraq. It is a groundbreaking innovation as it unifies all elements of the immunization program within a single platform for the first time. By consolidating the immunization supply chain into one efficient system, Immunify eliminates redundancy and fosters efficiency. It is set to provide a comprehensive platform for tracking vaccine supply stock management and inventory, cold chain equipment, personnel training, and temperature monitoring. Seamlessly integrating with existing systems like DHIS2 and CRVS, Immunify will streamline data collection, enhance decision-making, and pave the way for a more efficient and effective immunization program nationwide.

Participants engaged in plenary sessions, group discussions, and brainstorming activities throughout the workshop to identify and prioritize the system’s requirements. Key topics covered included cold chain equipment inventory management, human resources and training, temperature monitoring, data collection and utilization, and interoperability with existing health information systems.

A separate meeting, supported by Echo Technology, was held on May 23^rd to discuss IT technical requirements for the ISCMIS. This included a presentation and discussion of the solution design, technology, and architecture, as well as hosting services, data security and privacy, Learning Management System hosting and integration, and interoperability with other systems.

The workshop also featured field visits to a vaccine store in Erbil and a health facility to observe real-world applications of the wVSSM and DHIS2 systems. These visits not only provided valuable insights into the practical challenges and opportunities associated with vaccine management at different healthcare system levels but also reassured us of the effectiveness of the new system in real-life scenarios. The workshop concluded with action points and recommendations, setting the course for the next steps in the ISCMIS development process. ISEET, unwavering in its commitment, is dedicated to working hand in hand with the MoH and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this critical system, a testament to our shared vision and determination.