Co-Creating the Future of Immunization: The MIRNA User-Centered Design Workshop
Hararghe Health Research’s (HHR) Maternal Immunization Readiness Network in Africa and Asia (MIRNA) team hosted a User-Centered Design (UCD) workshop on February 3–4, 2026, in Bishoftu, Ethiopia.
The assembly convened distinguished experts and stakeholders to formulate a national immunization demand strategy attuned to Ethiopia’s specific context.
Mr. Melkamu Ayalew, Head of the Immunization Service Desk at the Ministry of Health, in his opening remarks, acknowledged HHR’s initiatives to inform national policies on maternal and child health through evidence-based research. He emphasized that the User-Centered Design approach, by bringing together relevant stakeholders, will be significant in co-creating an immunization demand strategy specifically contextualized to Ethiopia.
During the event, Professor Nega Assefa outlined the core activities of HHR, which focus on maternal and child health research and capacity building. He explained that HHR conducts rigorous research aimed at informing national policies to improve health outcomes across the country. Professor Nega added that the workshop was specifically organized to gather stakeholders and advocates to co-create user-centered strategies that would directly inform policymakers.
The two-day program thoroughly explored the dynamics of vaccine demand using the 6As taxonomy, which includes access, awareness, and related factors. Participants identified strategic priorities, developed evidence-based interventions tailored to local needs, and established clear indicators of effectiveness. This process resulted in a collaboratively crafted immunization demand strategy ready for implementation by the participating organizations.
The participants included representatives from various organizations, such as the Federal Ministry of Health, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Oromia Health Bureau, World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), PATH, Ethiopian National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (E-NITAG), Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) Ethiopia, Save the Children, Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG), Ethiopian Pediatrics Society, Ethiopian Midwives Association, and Ethiopian Nurses Association.
Haramaya University Public & International Relations Directorate
Tags: co-creation, global health, health systems design, immunization, MIRNA workshop, public health innovation, Stakeholder Engagement, user-centered design, vaccine programs
