Global Immunization insights_March 2026
Global Immunization Newsletter - March 2026
Message by the Director of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals at WHO
Recent discussions at the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization
(SAGE) meeting (9-12 March) highlighted both the extraordinary progress achieved by immunization programmes and the growing challenges that lie ahead.
In a global context marked by sudden reductions and changes in financial resources, rapidly escalating conflicts, increasing numbers of humanitarian and fragile settings, evolving disease threats, and increasing programmatic complexity, SAGE stressed the critical importance of strong, evidence-based policies to support countries in making informed vaccine and immunization decisions.
Upcoming meetings & campaigns
- World Immunization Week
24-30 April - World Malaria Day
25 April 2026 - TB Vaccine Accelerator Summit
26-28 April 2026 - WHO regional workshop on progress toward defeating meningitis by 2030
28-29 April 2026 - Vaccinology: Science and Public Health course and symposium
24-28 August 2026
Q&A feature: Building Trust and Demand for Vaccines
1. Immunization programmes have made enormous progress globally. Why is maintaining public confidence in vaccines a top priority for global health?
Public confidence is essential to sustaining high vaccination uptake and preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Without trust, the health and equity gains achieved through immunization are at risk...
World Immunization Week 2026, 24-30 April
During World Immunization Week (WIW), let’s show the world that some family traditions are worth passing on. Under the theme, “For every generation, vaccines work”, WIW will promote how vaccines have safely protected people, families, and communities for generations – and continue to safeguard our future.
Stories
Rapid action halts measles outbreak in Sarlahi, Nepal
The measles outbreak in Sarlahi district last January showed how WHO Nepal’s support enabled a swift response by the Ministry of Health and Population.
Burkina Faso sees 32% drop in malaria cases in 2025
Burkina Faso's 2025 data provides evidence that, with a comprehensive strategy, it is possible to bend the curve dramatically against the disease.
South Sudan ends maternal & neonatal tetanus
As one of 10 countries yet to achieve Maternal & Neonatal Tetanus Elimination (MNTE), Sudan conducted immunization rounds to close MNTE gaps.
Pakistan: measles–rubella drive boosts polio protection
"Integrating polio drops in the measles-rubella campaign meant we reached vulnerable populations with 3 essential vaccines" - Polio worker Mahnoor Ali.
Meningitis B outbreak in the United Kingdom
Health authorities are investigating the outbreak with provision of antibiotics to those with potential or known infection and a targeted vaccination programme.
New resources
Past meetings
Global meeting highlights progress and challenges in rotavirus and pediatric diarrhea surveillance
Jaipur, India, 18-20 February 2026
Contributions
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