During the 158th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board, representatives from 36 Member States and 11 non-State actors convened to assess the progress of the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030). The meeting, which included delegations from all WHO regions, reaffirmed the agenda’s vision of ensuring that everyone, everywhere benefits from life-saving vaccinations.
The discussions highlighted the significant shifts in global health architecture and financing since the agenda’s inception in 2020. Member States emphasized the need to adapt the IA2030 strategy to align with these new realities, focusing on equity to reach zero-dose and under-immunized children, particularly in fragile, conflict-affected, and remote areas.
Adapting to New Realities
Member States underscored the importance of integrating immunization into primary health care, universal health coverage, national budgets, and health information systems. The call for a life-course approach to vaccination was prominent, ensuring individuals receive necessary vaccinations at every stage of life.
With declining domestic and international financing, there was a consensus on refocusing IA2030 activities. Priorities identified included surveillance, outbreak response, and demand generation. The issue of misinformation and vaccine hesitancy was a significant concern, prompting calls for enhanced risk communication and community engagement, supported by evidence-based messaging to build trust and sustain vaccine demand.
Data, Accountability, and Country Ownership
Improved data collection and accountability mechanisms were recurring themes. Delegates advocated for better subnational and disaggregated data, investment in digital immunization systems, and stronger accountability measures to track progress.
Country ownership emerged as a critical factor for success. Aligning IA2030 with national plans, bolstering domestic financing, and establishing sustainability pathways were seen as essential to achieving long-term immunization goals. Member States stressed the need for WHO and its partners, including Gavi, UNICEF, and the Global Fund, to provide clear prioritization guidance for the second half of the IA2030 decade.
“The IA2030 will require sharper focus and stronger action from WHO and its partners,” emphasized a delegate, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to sustain vaccine demand.
Looking Ahead: Global Health Strategies
The mid-term review of IA2030 is set to be discussed by all Member States at the seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in May 2026. Additionally, discussions on the End TB Strategy and the Polio Eradication Strategy underscored the necessity of sustained commitment and financing. Concerns were raised about the world being off track to meet End TB milestones, prompting calls for stronger integration of TB services into primary health care and equitable access to diagnostics and treatments.
While progress was noted in interrupting wild poliovirus transmission outside limited areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan, Member States stressed the need for intensified efforts to reach zero-dose and mobile populations. The extension of the Polio Eradication Strategy to 2029 and the integration of polio assets into broader health systems were supported for long-term resilience.
As the global health landscape continues to evolve, the WHO Executive Board’s evaluation of IA2030 reflects a commitment to adapting strategies to meet emerging challenges and ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccinations worldwide.
