Global Immunization insights_January/February 2026
Global Immunization Newsletter - January/February 2026
After the WHO Executive Board: Charting the next five years of immunization
At the 158th session of the WHO Executive Board (2–7 February 2026), one message came through clearly: immunization remains one of the most powerful and cost-effective ways to save lives, protect communities, and strengthen health systems. Against a backdrop of significant global shifts—including financial constraints, governance reform, and evolving partnerships—Member States and partners reaffirmed the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) as the shared global strategy and partnership umbrella guiding immunization efforts in the years ahead. Discussions underscored the need for sharper prioritization, stronger accountability, and closer collaboration across the global health ecosystem.
Looking to the next five years, the focus is firmly on turning ambition into impact. EB discussions emphasized reaching zero-dose children and under-immunized populations, embedding immunization within primary health care and universal health coverage, rebuilding trust and demand, and strengthening country ownership in a constrained financing environment. Member States also highlighted the importance of effective governance, sustainable financing, and meaningful engagement with partners and non-state actors.
Working alongside partners such as Gavi, UNICEF, and civil society, WHO is being called upon to lead with clarity and coordination—ensuring that immunization remains central to resilient health systems and that no one, anywhere, is left unprotected.
Upcoming meetings
- WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization
9-12 March 2026, Geneva, Switzerland. - 14th International Conference on Typhoid & Other Invasive Salmonelloses
24-26 March 2026, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. - World TB Day
27 March 2026 - World Immunization Week
24-30 April - World Malaria Day
25 April 2026 - TB Vaccine Accelerator Summit
26-28 April 2026
Q&A Feature: Immunization Agenda 2030
As IA2030 reaches its midpoint, how would you assess global progress so far, and where are we most off track?
Trusted answers on vaccines
Exploring WHO’s new information hub
In an era where misinformation about vaccines can spread as quickly as disease outbreaks themselves, restoring public trust in vaccination is more important than ever.
Stories
Next-generation flu vaccines could save millions of lives
Next-generation influenza vaccines could prevent 18 billion cases and save 6.2 million lives by 2050, according to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) assessment.
4-Dose RTS,S boosts protection against malaria
WHO recommends two malaria vaccines, RTS,S and R21, to prevent malaria in children. Pilot programmes in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi reduced child deaths by 13%.
New vaccine customs classification
Thirty-eight new customs codes for human vaccines and other essential medical products will enter into the Harmonized System (HS) on 1 January 2028
Statement: Hep B birth dose vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau
WHO reaffirms the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine as essential and proven, and raises serious scientific and ethical concerns about the proposed trial in Guinea-Bissau.
Bangladesh introduces typhoid conjugate vaccines
Bangladesh introduced typhoid conjugate vaccines last October through a nationwide campaign reaching more than 42 million children
New resources
Past meetings
- WHO South‑East Asia Region hosts regional webinar on NITAG Maturity Assessment Tool
- Civil Society Information Session: WHO TB Vaccine Accelerator Global Finance and Access Working Group for Novel TB Vaccines
- First biannual 2026 RITAG meeting to advance immunization priorities in the Eastern Mediterranean
- Webinar recording: Reaching Zero-Dose Children: Insights from Six Implementation Research Studies
Contributions
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