Global Immunization insights_October2026
Global Immunization Newsletter - October 2026
Message by the Director of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals
From 5 to 8 October, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) met to review the evidence on vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV), diphtheria, yellow fever, mpox and polio, and to consider the role of vaccination in the ongoing outbreak of the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD).
Every year, vaccines save millions of lives. But behind every dose is a series of decisions, and many of them are hard. Which groups should we reach first? How should we respond when an outbreak strikes? When is new evidence strong enough to change what we recommend? And how do we protect the programmes we have built when budgets are under pressure? These questions were at the heart of SAGE’s deliberations.
Q&A feature: How WHO turns vaccine evidence into immunization guidance
WHO's immunization strategies and policies provide countries with independent, evidence-based guidance on how vaccines can be used safely, effectively and equitably. They synthesize a complex body of scientific evidence to inform global vaccine policy recommendations aimed at maximizing public health impact.
Stories
Iraq completes polio transition
Iraq is the first country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to complete polio transition, building lasting health capacity from decades of investment.
Measles elimination in the Western Pacific
Despite a resurgence of measles, 29 Western Pacific countries have maintained their verified measles and rubella elimination status.
South Sudan maps the path to Men5CV introduction
South Sudan completed a meningitis risk assessment to guide the introduction of the pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine.
Nurses and communities advance HPV vaccination
The Africa Action Network for Nurses and Midwives is leading five HPV vaccination projects in Uganda, Kenya, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
South-East Asia tackles measles outbreaks
South-East Asia has the world’s highest childhood immunization coverage.
Experts are tackling immunity gaps that fuel measles and other outbreaks.
Papua New Guinea advances cervical cancer prevention
PNG received 100 000 vaccine vials, marking a nationwide effort to protect girls from one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women.
New resources
Past meetings
Upcoming meetings & campaigns
- WHO EURO RITAG/ETAGE Meeting
2-3 November 2026 - Meeting of SAGE Working group on pertussis vaccines
2-3 November 2026 - Eighth meeting of the Market Access for Vaccines Technical Advisory Group
4 November 2026 - Union World Conference on Lung Health
17-20 November 2026 - WHO EMRO EPI Managers Meeting, Regional Working Group (RWG)
22 November 2026 - Gavi Audit and Finance Committee
24 November 2026 - Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination meeting for the Eastern Mediterranean Region
1-3 December 2026 - Gavi Governance Committee
7 December 2026 - Gavi Board
9-10 December 2026
Contributions
Contribute to the next issue of the GIN
To contribute to the September update, please click on this link to submit an article by the 16th of November. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact: globalimmunnews@who.int
