Cairo, Egypt, 17 July 2024

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour to welcome you all here tonight. The 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) is truly a momentous occasion.

EPI is a cornerstone of global public health. Over the decades, it has saved countless lives and protected millions of children from preventable diseases.

It is a great example of what can be achieved to safeguard the health of our communities when we all work together.

Tonight, we are not just celebrating EPI’s achievements; we are also recognizing the dedication of the many individuals and stakeholders who have made it a success. National EPI managers. Immunization advisers. Health care workers. Partner organizations. And of course, governments.

All have played their part in this remarkable journey.

New challenges and opportunities lie ahead. We must continue to strengthen our immunization programmes, ensure equitable access to vaccines for all, and address emerging threats. Together, we can build on the legacy of EPI and create a future where every child is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Thank you once again for joining us. Let us celebrate this milestone and recommit to the vital mission of immunization.

Enjoy your evening!