The immunization programme in the past years has undergone tremendous reforms to not only address coverage, equity and quality but has also expanded the disease spectrum covered, by introducing new vaccines like pentavalent, rotavirus and IPV to reduce morbidity and mortality due to vaccine-preventable disease. Government of India plans to continue this thrust in coming years with more vaccines in pipeline and with new tools, techniques and methodology to continuously improve the immunization programme. However, the pace with which the immunization portfolio is expanding, it is increasingly being recognized by the policy makers that upgrading the knowledge and skills of all health personnel and mobilizers must keep pace with the new developments.

There is growing evidence that traditional workshop or classroom setting may not be a sufficient method for dissemination of knowledge and upgradation of skills. Moreover, the availability and spread of information and communication technologies has led to several innovations in training methodologies. In order to acquire the advantages of both methodologies, a blended-learning approach, as an adjunct to traditional classroom training has to be identified specially for vast majority of frontline workers in India. To fulfil this objective of blended learning, MoHFW has planned to develop a Rapid Immunization Skill Enhancement (RISE) package, a constructive, interactive, continuous and an adaptable knowledge building system for program managers, medical officers, health workers and mobilisers.