WHO Executive Board Reviews Immunization Agenda 2030 Progress

During the 158th session of the WHO Executive Board, 36 Member States, including delegations from all WHO regions and 11 non-State actors, acknowledged the ongoing significance of the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) vision to guarantee that everyone, everywhere gains access to life-saving vaccinations.

In the context of discussions among Member States regarding the mid-review of IA2030, they recognized that the global health architecture and financing landscape have changed substantially since 2020. They emphasized the need for the strategy to realize the IA2030 vision to adapt to these evolving realities. To achieve IA2030, Member States underlined the importance of focusing on equity to ensure that all countries reach coverage for zero-dose and under-immunized children, particularly those in fragile, conflict-affected, and hard-to-reach areas.

Member States reiterated the importance of integrating immunization into primary healthcare, universal health coverage, national budgets, and health information systems. They also stressed the necessity of adopting a life-course approach to vaccination, ensuring that individuals of all ages receive the necessary vaccinations.

In light of declining domestic and international financing, there was widespread support for refocusing IA2030 activities. Surveillance, outbreak response, and demand generation were identified as top priorities in this challenging funding environment. Member States also called for the replenishment of the Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support the 36 global emergencies, including vaccination campaigns and disease surveillance. Concerns about misinformation and vaccine hesitancy were highlighted in discussions. Member States stressed the need for stronger risk communication and community engagement, supported by evidence-based messaging, to build trust and sustain demand for vaccines.

Enhanced data collection and accountability were recurring requests. Delegates highlighted the need for improved subnational and disaggregated data, investments in digital immunization systems, and stronger accountability mechanisms to track progress.

Finally, Member States pointed out the significance of country ownership in achieving immunization goals. Aligning IA2030 with national plans, boosting domestic financing, and ensuring sustainable pathways were deemed essential for attaining long-term immunization objectives.

Looking ahead, Member States emphasized that IA2030 will require sharper focus and stronger actions from WHO and its partners, including Gavi, UNICEF, the Global Fund, and civil society. They requested that WHO provide clear prioritization guidance for the latter half of the IA2030 decade to ensure that limited resources are directed to the most critical areas. Additionally, they urged the Organization to take the lead in maintaining demand for immunization through evidence-based guidance and coordinated actions among partners. The IA2030 mid-term review will be addressed by all Member States at the seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in May 2026.

Moreover, discussions among Member States regarding the End TB Strategy and the Polio Eradication Strategy highlighted the necessity of sustaining commitment and funding. Member States indicated that the world is currently off track to meet the End TB milestones and called for enhanced integration of TB services into primary health care, equitable access to diagnostics and treatments, as well as innovations including new TB vaccines for adolescents and adults.

While Member States acknowledged progress in interrupting wild poliovirus transmission outside limited areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan, they stressed the need for intensified efforts to reach zero-dose and mobile populations. They emphasized the importance of trust-building initiatives, robust routine immunization and surveillance, and collaboration with partners. Member States supported extending the Polio Eradication Strategy to 2029 and integrating polio resources into broader health systems for long-term resilience.