For countries who have established a formal or informal NLWG, the following criteria can be used to determine whether a well-functioning NLWG has been achieved:
- The NLWG was created with a legislative or administrative status.
- The NLWG operates with formal written terms of reference.
- The NLWG’s membership selection criteria are described.
- NLWG’s members are required to systematically declare any interest.
- Members are selected because of acknowledged expertise in immunization supply chains and logistics.
- NLWG works within a work plan including a narrative, a timeline, and a budget.
- NLWG meets at least once or twice a month.
- Agendas and background documents are circulated at least one week ahead of meetings.
- Meeting reports and recommendations are circulated to decision makers and key stakeholders.
- The NLWG is consulted for any key decisions on immunization strategies and policies.
If an existing NLWG needs strengthening, the following process is recommended:
- Revise the terms of reference.
- Develop a work plan.
- Revise the meeting mechanism.
- Conduct research for innovation.
- Strengthen the NLWG capacity.
- Close funding gaps and conduct fundraising.