This issue of the newsletter highlights the latest immunization-related activities conducted by WHO/Europe together with health authorities in Member States and partners in line with the strategic priorities agreed on by Member States in the European Immunization Agenda 2030 (EIA2030).* 

Kazakhstan responds to rapid escalation of measles cases 

Health authorities in Kazakhstan have initiated extensive outbreak response measures to interrupt transmission of the virus. Read more

“Time to get checked! Be one step ahead of cancer!” WHO engages with media in Kyrgyzstan  

The Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan together with WHO organized a press café for journalists and civil activists to raise awareness of early diagnosis and prevention of cancers affecting women. Read more

COVID-19 vaccinations have saved more than 1.4 million lives in the WHO European Region, a new study finds 

Since their introduction in December 2020, COVID-19 vaccines have reduced deaths due to the pandemic by at least 57%, saving more than 1.4 million lives in the WHO European Region. Read more

Engaging youth on immunization advocacy and action (Video)

Highlights from the event "Force of the Future, held in December 2023 to foster and strengthen engagement with youth on immunization. View

Strategic outreach in Serbia: reaching unvaccinated children with measles vaccine

To prevent a large-scale outbreak in Serbia amid a rise in measles cases across the WHO European Region, a catch-up measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination campaign this year reached almost half of the missed-dose children in 12 selected municipalities in the country. Read more

Kosovo* introduces HPV vaccine in immunization schedule: outreach in schools and beyond to reach every girl

Pristina health authorities launched a vaccination campaign at schools aiming to reach over 12 000 girls in 2024; 116 doses have already been administered during the first 2 days of the campaign. Read more

*All references to Kosovo in this newsletter should be understood to be in the context of the United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).

“We feel that we are not forgotten, and our work is visible” – Dr Shyshova, immunization trainer, Ukraine 

Dr Shyshova has dedicated her entire life to promoting the well-being of the people living in the Donetsk oblast (province) by advocating for vaccines. Read more

Boosting immunization knowledge in Turkmenistan’s schools

Twenty WHO-trained family doctors and immunologists led a series of health education classes in schools across Turkmenistan at the end of 2023. Read more

Turkmenistan strengthens health worker knowledge and communication skills on HPV vaccination

The WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan supported a series of 2-day national-level trainings for health-care workers on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and vaccination. Read more

Protecting a generation: Kazakhstan’s commitment to HPV vaccination

Kazakhstan’s government plans to incorporate the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into the national immunization schedule by fall 2024. Read more

Puppet show in Albania increases vaccination awareness among children and parents 

Blending creativity and public health promotion, a puppet show, “Mister Stethoscope”, is captivating young audiences in Albania, aiming to strengthen community acceptance of vaccines and address misinformation. Read more

Compendium of indicators for the monitoring and evaluation framework of the European Immunization Agenda 2030 

The Compendium of indicators serves as a technical annex to EIA2030. It provides information for each of the indicators in the monitoring and evaluation framework that was endorsed by Member States in 2021. Read more

WHO Regional Meeting on Poliovirus Containment Progress for National Poliovirus Containment Coordinators and National Authorities for Containment: 26–27 September 2023, Copenhagen, Denmark

The meeting discussed the status and challenges of polio eradication and polio containment implementation in the WHO European Region based on the Regional overview and country experiences. Read more

Eliminating measles and rubella in the WHO European Region: integrated guidance for surveillance, outbreak response and verification of elimination 

This document provides guidance on conducting elimination-standard surveillance and how to implement a rapid and appropriate response to outbreaks of measles and rubella. Read more

Questions and answers about human papillomavirus, second edition

This document provides evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions related to human papillomavirus (‎HPV)‎, HPV vaccines, and prevention of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. Read more 

Self-evaluation tool for national immunization technical advisory groups 

This tool is intended to be used by national immunization technical advisory groups (‎NITAGs)‎ to conduct self-evaluations. Read more

Pertussis: What you need to know 

An advocacy brief outlining key facts on pertussis. Read more

Communicating about vaccination with caregivers and patients: a communication training module for health workers 

Training material to support health workers in their role to confidently recommend vaccination to caregivers and patients.  Read more

EpiData 3/2024

Reported measles cases for the period March 2023—February 2024 (data as of 09 April 2024). Read more

Measles and rubella monthly update – WHO European Region – March 2024

Data as of 09 April 2024. Read more

Measles and rubella elimination status per Member State for 2022

As per the conclusions of the 12th meeting of the European Regional Verification Commission on Measles and Rubella Elimination. Read more