Capacity building is the cornerstone to creating self-sustaining programs. Effective capacity building results in a local infrastructure that delivers the targeted health care service in accordance with internationally accepted standards as formulated by the Word Health Organization (WHO).

capacity as well as printers to district medical centers. With the partners, RVF is also training health personnel on basic computer knowledge and EIDSS This will provide for a system of reliable and timely reporting on infectious diseases burden and rapid response. It has been deployed throughout the country for testing. The system will be fully operational by the end of 2009. As in all RVF programs, sustainability is the ultimate goal. For the EIDSS program, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Health will assume 100% responsibility for operation and maintenance of system

Working with the Local Departments of Health, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, RVF has financed the development of software approved by the Russian Ministry of Health to process vaccination data. 392 computers with standardized immunization software have been provided to hospitals and polyclinics in 14 regions in European Russia and Siberia. Personnel at hospitals and polyclinics are being trained on the use of the immunization software in their work on the vaccination of children. Instantaneous availability of salient data is enabling health authorities to maximize vaccination coverage rates and plan immunization strategy. As in all RVF programs, the ultimate aim is sustainability. Here, the local Health Departments are financing 100% of the sustainability costs.

For examples of successfully completed capacity building initiatives, please refer to the successfully completed vaccination program against measles and rubella in Azerbaijan (2009) and the hepatitis B vaccination program in the Russian Federation (2006). Since capacity building is part of every RVF program, the descriptions of our current programs on vaccination, screening, and deworming in the Russian Federation, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan provide an overview of the range of strategies and activities that give local personnel the tools to deliver modern health care services to their communities.