Global Immunization insights_November/December2023
Global Immunization Newsletter - November/December 2023
Message by the Director of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, WHO
Despite multiple health-related crises, the year 2023 will be remembered as a triumph in global health, with countries coming together to stamp out infectious diseases through dedicated efforts and collaborative action.
As the World Health Organization (WHO), celebrated its 75th year in April 2023, a spirit of unity prevailed, reminding us that together, we can provide everyone with the best chance for a healthy life.
The Delivery
The COVID-19 global health emergency saw the fastest vaccine rollout the world has ever seen. Now it’s time to share just how remarkable that journey really was.
The Delivery is a tool that allows you to explore the stories, statistics, and determination that underpin it all. Explore the triumphs and breakthroughs that kept us moving forward, perfectly preserving the efforts of our healthcare workers to guide future generations.
Access to the tool here.
Upcoming meetings (2024)
1 January - 31 December: 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)
16-18 January : National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) Partner's retreat, Istanbul, Türkiye
17 – 19 January: WHO Programme Budget Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting, Geneva, Switzerland
22 -27 January: WHO Executive Board Meeting, Geneva, Switzerland
26 February - 1 March: WHO Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization and Vaccines-related Implementation Research (IVIR-AC), Geneva, Switzerland
29 January - 2 February: Atlanta Winter Summit 2024 Technical consultation of the WHO Global Measles Rubella Laboratory Network GMRLN and GMRMM, Atlanta, USA
6-8 March: Global Forum Cervical Cancer Elimination, Cartagena, Colombia
11-14 March: WHO SAGE Meeting, Geneva, Switzerland
Stories
From extreme circumstances rises extraordinary humanity
On 5 May 2023, the COVID-19 global health emergency was officially declared over. The-Delivery.org is a digital time capsule preserving the stories and data of the COVID-19 vaccine delivery efforts.
Health workers: key to malaria vaccine pilot programme success
“Something that is key to our malaria vaccine pilot programme success is being able to give the right information to parents and caregivers.” Dr Keziah Malm, Program Manager.
Compelling reasons for optimism in immunization for 2024
Having funding and supportive policies to now implement the catch-up and recovery efforts will provide the opportunity to reach more kids than ever.
Bangladesh’s remarkable journey to introduce the HPV vaccine
Earlier this month Bangladesh introduced the HPV vaccine into its routine immunization programme, meaning millions of girls will be protected against the leading cause of cervical cancer.
Respiratory infectious diseases on the rise across WHO European Region
Seasonal cold weather has set in across the WHO European Region, leading to circulation of respiratory pathogens and more people becoming sick.
17th TechNet Conference: PAHO’s Highlights towards IA 2030
"The efforts of the countries of the Americas to increase vaccination coverage in the Region are still insufficient." Dr. Daniel Salas, PAHO's Special Program for Comprehensive Immunization
High impact results in Africa from the world’s first malaria vaccine
This video shows the impact that the malaria vaccine is having on children and families in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi.
Armenia launches revised immunization schedule and catch-up campaign
Catch-up vaccination will also be available to the over 100 000 refugees from the Karabakh region who recently fled to Armenia.
A 30-fold rise of measles cases in Europe warrants urgent action
The is experiencing an alarming rise in measles cases. Over 30 000 measles cases were reported by 40 of the WHO European Region between January and October 2023.
Enhancing capacity for microplanning through workshops in Guatemala
The workshop included a training on actions to be taken in response to outbreaks and a simulation exercise based on a local experience of isolating a vaccine-derived polio virus type 1 in a residual water sample.
New resources
How to achieve high uptake of malaria vaccines? New practical guides published for implementation
SLMA Guidelines and Information on Vaccines 8th Edition 2023 Edition 2023
Latest Pneumonia and Diarrhea Progress Report Card released
Measles and rubella monthly update - WHO European Region - November 2023
Past meetings
• Force of the future: co-creating youth action on immunization (8 December 2023)
• Health professionals share Teach to Reach 9 learning (16 October 2023)
• Report of the thirty-seventh meeting of the European Regional Commission for Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication: Copenhagen. (7–8 September 2023)
• Global Meeting on Monitoring Immunization in the Context of IA2030 (19-21
September)
Share your immunization news
We welcome your contributions and suggestions for the next issue of GIN. To contribute content, please click on this link to submit an article by January 12.
If you have any questions or feedback, please contact: globalimmunnews@who.int
