1. Immunization is considered as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions. Regional coverage with three doses of Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis containing vaccine and the first dose of Measles Containing Vaccine were maintained around 70% during the last three years. There has been an estimated 88% reduction in measles mortality since 2000 and only one country in the Region remains endemic for wild poliovirus.
2. External evaluation of the 2009–2013 Regional Immunization Strategic Plan revealed challenges that hinder access and utilization of immunization services. These include gaps in organization, coordination and management of immunization activities, inadequacy of vaccines and cold storage capacity, limited service delivery points, and inappropriate communication strategies resulting in low community awareness and participation.
3. One of the significant developments in the field of immunization is the Global Vaccine Action Plan that needs implementation in the Region. The Regional Immunization Strategic Plan 2014–2020 is intended to address the identified challenges by providing policy and programmatic guidance to Member States within a strong national health system and also during humanitarian emergencies.
4. The key approaches include integrating immunization into national health policy and plan and during emergencies, strengthening financing, enhancing partnerships, building national capacity, improving monitoring and data quality, improving vaccine management, safety and regulation and promoting implementation, research and innovations.
5. The Regional Committee is invited to review the Regional Immunization Strategic Plan 2014–2020 and endorse the actions proposed and the related resolution.
- WHO
- Africa
