15 October 2024, Doha, Qatar – Vaccines save over 4 million lives each year. Recognizing their critical role, in August 2020 the 73rd World Health Assembly adopted the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030). This global initiative aims to enhance immunization efforts within primary health care systems.
Access to essential vaccines remains a pressing issue: 1 in 4 children in the Region lacks access to pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines, with the majority residing in middle-income countries. Alarmingly, 90% of adolescent girls in the region do not have access to the HPV vaccine, 63% of whom live in Gavi-eligible countries.
We must also expand immunization coverage throughout the life course. New vaccines targeting high-risk groups, such as health care workers and the elderly, are vital. Yet establishing vaccine delivery platforms beyond infancy – in settings such as schools and workplaces – remains a significant challenge for national immunization programmes.
To adapt IA2030 to the needs of the Eastern Mediterranean Region, the Regional Office has developed a strategic framework for implementation. The result of extensive consultations with national immunization programmes, the Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group and key partners and stakeholders, the framework reflects the priorities of Member States. It includes a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system that will track collective progress towards the ambitious goals set forth in IA2030.
During a side event of the 71st session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, Regional Director Dr Hanan Balky will launch this framework in presence of the ministers of health and delegates of member states.
Fostering political commitment and raising awareness about the importance of immunization is crucial if we are to sustain health achievements and prepare for future pandemics.
In fragile, conflict-affected and vulnerable countries health care systems are often severely disrupted, severely impacting primary health care and immunization services. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified existing challenges, leading to growing immunity gaps. During past 5 years, 18.5 million children in the Region have not received any measles vaccine. Of these, 12.6 million children are completely unvaccinated, resulting in multiple outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
The launch of the IA2030 Regional Framework at RC71 is an important step towards securing political commitment. Endorsement is essential to raise awareness about the vital role immunization plays in maintaining public health achievements and ensuring preparedness for future pandemics.
With the support of Member States, the framework will strengthen immunization services across the Region, saving lives and improving health outcomes for millions.
As we move forward, our commitment to immunization must be unwavering. The future of public health in the Region depends on our collective actions. By bringing together governments, health care professionals, partners and communities, we can ensure that vaccines continue to protect the most vulnerable among us.
