On Thursday, November 30, 2023, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity project at the Benin Royal Hotel in Cotonou. The project aims to strengthen routine immunization to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

This project is a USAID response to Benin’s goal to improve vaccination rates, essential for children’s growth. It is implemented by a consortium of partners under the leadership of JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc (JSI), in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health through l’Agence Nationale des Soins de Santé Primaires (National Agency for Primary Health Care).

The official launch ceremony included several speeches and a presentation of the project to attendees. “USAID mobilized JSI to bring its expertise to Benin, particularly for children who have received few or no vaccinations. The project will offer technical assistance and innovative approaches to reach unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children in four departments (Plateau, Mono, Couffo and Atlantique) with low vaccination coverage,” said Lauren Wright, USAID resident representative in Benin.

Noting Benin’s challenges to vaccinating children, Achille Batonon, a Minister of Health representative, said that “around 20 percent of children in the annual birth cohort do not have access to routine immunization services. These zero-dose children are unfortunately excluded from vaccination services because of geographical inaccessibility, rumors, and false information.” Dr. Batonon said that the project will help prevent the resurgence of diseases such as measles and polio, and thanked USAID for selecting Benin as one of its 18 countries.

Jean Kouamé Konan, the World Health Organization resident representative, said that “To achieve the objectives of the project, all stakeholders must work in synergy to find suitable solutions to local vaccination coverage needs.” Vanessa Richart, the Washington DC-based project director of country programs, recounted the benefits of vaccine equity, and urged attendees to get involved to ensure project success and benefit to the communities.