The WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) raised alarms about mounting pressures threatening global vaccination efforts. At its 10–13 March meeting , SAGE highlighted both hard-won gains and looming risks, warning that funding cuts and shifting priorities are jeopardizing decades of progress. With countries still recovering from COVID-19, the diversion of resources away from public health—especially vaccination—could undo critical strides in child survival and disease prevention.
Vaccination remains one of the most cost-effective public health tools, but without sustained support, the gains achieved under the Immunization Agenda 2030 are at serious risk.
Global Progress Meets Budget Cuts
A report from WHO's Department of Immunization, Vaccines, and Biologicals outlined major achievements and severe threats. While vaccines against HPV, malaria, and TB advance, many immunization programmes face reduced donor support and shrinking health budgets.
Measles control efforts are particularly under strain, with weakened surveillance and response capacities raising the risk of outbreaks. WHO reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, regional manufacturing, and partnerships to secure resilient immunization systems for the future.
Gavi's Vision for the Future
Gavi previewed its 2026–2030 strategy (Gavi 6.0), focused on expanding new vaccines, strengthening national programmes, and reducing zero-dose children. Progress continues toward immunizing 86 million girls against HPV by 2025, with growing investments in malaria and polio vaccines.
Yet, Gavi also flagged vaccine supply constraints, especially amid the mpox emergency in Africa. Over 582,000 doses have been administered in DRC, underscoring the need for a sustainable vaccine stockpile.
Resurgence of Measles, Lagging Coverage
Regional updates showed rising zero-dose children in many areas, despite HPV vaccine scale-up in South-East Asia. Measles remains a serious threat where routine immunization has not recovered. The "Big Catch-Up" helped narrow gaps, but challenges remain.
New Vaccines and Smarter Strategies
SAGE reviewed updated evidence on pneumococcal, varicella, and herpes zoster vaccines, offering more flexibility in schedules. However, countries must weigh trade-offs when introducing newer, higher-valency vaccines and strengthen surveillance to guide decisions.
Mpox: Rising Again, Resources Thin
A renewed mpox emergency, declared in August 2024, is spreading across Africa. With supply constraints persisting, WHO and SAGE recommend flexible dosing and stress the need for preventive vaccination. Cuts to HIV programmes could further heighten mpox risks for vulnerable populations.
Polio: Eradication Still Elusive
Polio remains a challenge, with transmission continuing in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and vaccine-derived cases spreading, including in Europe. SAGE endorsed a revised IPV-based schedule of three doses but stressed full coverage is essential.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Global Commitment
SAGE concluded with a clear message: immunization is a major public health success, but without renewed commitment, we risk reversing the progress made. The world must act—urgently and together—to protect the next generation from preventable disease.
----
Click here to subscribe to the Global Immunization Newsletter.
