From the onset, each MVN-A training program has actively pursued long-term sustainability plans to help maintain high levels of Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) management training, expand the scope of training activities and support evolving national immunization priorities. Activities have included developing an innovative supportive supervision program to improve the dynamics and effectiveness of cascading training to peripheral-level health workers and implementing new computer-based training in advanced EPI data management.

As The Merck Company Foundation prepares to conclude funding support in 2012, MVN-A collaborators have advanced efforts to sustain their training programs in close partnership with key national stakeholders. Ministries of Health remain highly committed partners in all four programs, having enlisted MVN-A graduates to conduct operational level training (Kenya, Mali, Uganda), disease outbreak responses (Kenya, Uganda), mass immunization campaigns in camps of internally displaced persons (Kenya) and new vaccine introductions (Kenya, Mali and Zambia). Coverage surveys have also provided additional information regarding immunization practice and identify factors that helped to improve vaccine coverage.

Formal local evaluations of the impact of each MVN-A program on national immunization practices will be completed in 2011. In addition, all four MVN-A collaborative partnerships are in the process of drafting manuscripts highlighting their unique experiences and outcomes, some of which have been published in peer-reviewed journals including The East African Medical Journal and Education for Health. In a further effort to disseminate operational experiences and lessons learned, MVN-A collaborators have also presented at several international conferences including the Global Health Council's 38th Annual International Conference on Global Health.