Distinguished representatives of Ministries of Health
Chair of the regional immunization technical advisory group,
Representatives of partner agencies
Colleagues and friends,
Welcome to this hybrid annual meeting of the Regional Working Group on Immunization.
In South-East Asia, over 40 million pregnant women and 37 million newborn babies get vaccinated every year. The Region also manufactures 46% of the global vaccine supply.
This is impressive, but there is a need for improvement. Over 2 million infants remain unvaccinated every year, and 650,000 get only some of the vaccines they should have.
As we all know, progress on immunization slipped during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continued catch-up vaccination is still required. More outbreaks of diphtheria and measles have been occurring - diseases that, until recently, we had nearly in hand. The overall regional vaccine coverage is good again –– with at least 4 out of 5 children covered. But there is more to be done to reach true equity and make vaccines available to all.
The current financial strain on global public health has severely impacted immunization programmes globally, particularly measles prevention and elimination efforts. These global immunization budget cuts are also affecting disease surveillance, laboratory networks and outbreak response capacities.
There is a serious risk of further backsliding in immunizations at a time when (some) countries are still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a notable disparity in immunization coverage in some countries, subnational areas and populations. Our region contains certain hard-to-reach geographies, migrant colonies, and conflict areas - and is prone to natural disasters. These circumstances significantly curtail life-saving vaccines for these vulnerable populations.
In this context, Gavi’s new strategy 6.0 “Leaving no one behind with immunization” resonates with my vision for our region. As expressed in our Regional Roadmap for Results and Resilience, one of my priorities is a specific focus on vulnerable communities, to ensure equity and inclusivity. I am pleased that this synchronizes with Gavi’s strategy.
Currently, we face a public health landscape of competing health priorities while in a global finding crisis. Furthermore, some countries are graduating out of key donor support. These pressures are being felt not just by immunization programmes, but other high priority public health programmes also.
To respond to this complex situation, we have to act strategically and carefully.
In this context, I see several strategic opportunities in front of us:
First, we have to achieve cost efficiencies by integrating vertical programmes into the wider health system.
Second, we must maximize the impact of existing funds by improving procurement processes, streamlining administrative procedures, and integrating immunization services with other primary healthcare initiatives.
Third, we should reinvest cost savings from adjusting immunization vaccination schedules; as technically justified like switching to a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule to boost coverage.
Fourth, we must focus on value for money by prioritizing spending on primary healthcare services and immunization. These are cost-effective strategies for preventing disease and improving health outcomes.
Fifth, it is essential to galvanize political will to mobilize domestic resources for health. Prioritizing the financing of immunization programmes should be done under the “prevention is better than cure” philosophy.
Sixth, we have an opportunity to raise revenues from new sources for immunization programmes, such as tax reforms of earmarked funds, and engaging non-traditional partners to fill any gaps.
Seventh, we must collaborate with development partners, the private sector, and civil society organizations to work with us on our immunization goals.
And finally, it is crucial than we continue engaging with communities for vaccine uptake.
It is clear that addressing our current complex challenges and reality requires an all-of partner and all-of-society approach.
Thank you all for the time, effort and energy you give to this vital work.
I trust you will have fruitful deliberations in the days ahead and look forward to being appraised of the outcomes.
Thank you.