Event photos

Under the theme “Vaccine to Vaccination: From Science to Society,” the course brought together 200+ participants from 81 countries, including 30 healthcare professionals from EAC Partner States, who were sponsored by the EAC RCE-VIHSCM. The event took place at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, with nearly 100 participants joining from Kigali.

Dr Raymond Ndikumana, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Administration at the University of Rwanda, expressed enthusiasm about co-hosting the event, emphasizing the strategic partnership between IVI and UR. “We are thrilled to co-host this year’s IVC, reflecting not only the strong partnership between IVI and UR but also the recognition of the vital work being done at the UR’s EAC RCE-VIHSCM. At UR, we are committed to supporting Rwanda’s vision of becoming a vaccine manufacturing hub by training and producing a skilled workforce in this field.”

The course explored key topics such as overcoming challenges in vaccine usage, shaping vaccine markets, ensuring sustainable supply chains, and maintaining public trust in vaccines. It also covered practical aspects of vaccine distribution and strategies for expanding global access to immunization.

This year’s IVC was held at three locations: the IVI Headquarters in Seoul, Kigali, Rwanda (co-hosted by the University of Rwanda through the EAC RCE-VIHSCM), and Stockholm, Sweden (co-hosted by Karolinska Institutet). This historic edition marked the first time the IVC was hosted in Africa, highlighting the region’s growing role in global vaccinology and its commitment to advancing public health through education, innovation, and capacity building.

Dr. Anh Wartel, IVI Deputy Director General and Dr Raymond Ndikumana, UR Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning & Administration during the conference