The Fifteenth Meeting of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) South-East Asia Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group (SEAR-ITAG) took place from August 20 to 23, 2024, in New Delhi, India. 

This key gathering brought together a diverse group of experts in immunization, vaccines, and the prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), with the aim of providing vital guidance to strengthen immunization efforts across the region.

SEAR-ITAG, established by the WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, serves as an advisory body that includes professionals from various fields such as programme management, epidemiology, virology, and immunization sciences. The group plays a critical role in advising on all aspects of immunization and VPD control. Its members are key players in shaping strategies to combat vaccine-preventable diseases, such as polio, measles, rubella, maternal and neonatal tetanus, and hepatitis B.

At the meeting, SEAR-ITAG discussed a range of crucial priorities for the region’s immunization agenda. A major focus was on setting regional immunization priorities to ensure effective vaccination coverage and control of VPDs. The group reviewed existing policies and strategies in South-East Asia, particularly those aimed at the eradication of diseases like polio and measles, and the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus. In addition, the group emphasized the acceleration of efforts to control hepatitis B in the region.

SEAR-ITAG also provided advice on the development of national immunization policies, offering frameworks and operational guidance to help countries implement these policies successfully. Strengthening routine immunization services and systems was another priority, with a focus on ensuring equitable and sustainable delivery of vaccines across populations.

Another key aspect of the meeting was the discussion on new vaccines and immunization strategies. SEAR-ITAG provided valuable recommendations on the selection of new vaccines for national immunization programmes (NIPs), offering technical guidance on their introduction and advising on effective monitoring and evaluation post-introduction. The group also emphasized the importance of strengthening surveillance systems for VPDs and supporting the creation of high-quality laboratory networks to monitor diseases effectively.

Ensuring the safety and quality of vaccines used in national immunization efforts was a central theme of the meeting. SEAR-ITAG provided guidance on the regulatory requirements necessary for maintaining high vaccine safety standards. Additionally, the group highlighted the importance of fostering public-private partnerships to drive immunization progress and ensure better access to vaccines.

Finally, SEAR-ITAG discussed the importance of ongoing research in immunisation and vaccines, identifying critical areas for study and reviewing the outcomes of existing research projects. The group’s recommendations will help guide future immunization policies and interventions in the region.

The meeting was attended by national Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) managers, national surveillance focal points, representatives from national immunizstion technical advisory groups (NITAGs), and partner organizations. Together, they reviewed current immunisation strategies, shared insights, and discussed ways to overcome challenges in vaccine delivery and disease control.

The guidance provided by SEAR-ITAG continues to be essential for shaping effective immunization policies across South-East Asia. As immunization remains one of the most cost-effective public health tools, SEAR-ITAG’s work is critical in advancing public health and combating vaccine-preventable diseases in the region.