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Immunization experts are reviewing progress and priorities for protecting people from vaccine-preventable diseases across the WHO South-East Asia Region, which has achieved highest childhood immunization coverage levels globally but continues to face multiple measles and other disease outbreaks linked to persistent immunity gaps among children and adolescents.
Speaking during the inaugural address to the 17th meeting of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group (SEAR ITAG), Dr Nilesh Buddha, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Region said, Progress must not become complacency. Sustaining high immunization coverage requires strong monitoring, timely use of local data and rigorous programme review. We need to close the immunity gaps, strengthen surveillance and ensure that every child and every community is reached with life-saving vaccines." The Chair of SEAR ITAG, Prof Rakesh Aggarwal, said, We need to look beyond overall vaccination coverage and focus on subnational and hard-to-reach communities where gaps persist. Local data and epidemiology should guide focused immunization efforts, enable better use of resources and help reach the most vulnerable communities. In 2025 WHO South-East Asia Region reported highest coverage globally with the third dose of the routine vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis at 94%. The number of zero-dose children declined substantially, with a 65% reduction since 2021. The number of un- and under-vaccinated children decreased from an estimated 4.5 million in 2019 to 2 million in 2025. However, gaps in vaccination coverage persist across and within countries, leaving pockets of susceptible populations and contributing to outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases. Measles remains a particular concern with immunity gaps among older children and adolescents driving the current measles transmission and outbreaks. The Region has fallen behind its measles elimination trajectory: only four of the 10 Member States have achieved measles elimination, compared with seven that have achieved rubella elimination. Accelerated and targeted action is needed to get measles elimination back on track. SEAR ITAG is reviewing progress across the three impact goals of the Regional Vaccine Implementation Plan (RVIP) 20222026 - leaving no one behind by increasing equitable access to and use of vaccines; pursuing control and elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases; and reducing mortality and morbidity from these diseases across the life-course. The meeting will also examine vaccination across the life-course, including progress on childhood immunization and adolescent vaccination. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer and other cancers, also needs greater attention. HPV coverage stood at 7% in 2025 and the Region aspires to reach the target of 48% in 2026. Experts will further review prioritization and introduction of new and under-utilized vaccines, including typhoid conjugate vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and rotavirus vaccine. The meeting will also deliberate on sustainable immunization financing, workforce capacity, surveillance and laboratory systems, immunization information systems, vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, and the implications of climate change, urbanization, migration and humanitarian emergencies for immunization programmes. The expert group will also provide guidance on priorities for the next Regional Vaccine Implementation Plan beyond 2026, including accelerating measles and rubella elimination, reducing the risk of future outbreaks, strengthening domestic financing and partnerships, and sustaining effective surveillance for vaccine-preventable diseases. The three-day meeting of SEAR ITAG which began here yesterday, is being attended by 120 experts, representatives of Member States, Chair of National ITAGs, partner organizations and key stakeholders. (ANI)
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