Immunization
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Immunization

Immunization in the South-East Asia

In South-East Asia, vaccines have revolutionized public health. Recognized as one of the most cost-effective interventions available, they've delivered a remarkable track record of success.
 
Saving Lives: From eradicating smallpox to eliminating polio and maternal & neonatal tetanus, vaccinations stand as a powerful testament to global teamwork and scientific progress. Millions of lives have been saved, with countless children now shielded from these deadly diseases. Countless individuals are spared illness and lifelong complications, thanks to the vaccines. Saving lives and preventing serious illness and disability.

Controlling Other Diseases: Once widespread diseases like measles, rubella, hepatitis B, and Japanese encephalitis are now significantly reduced. The decline in these diseases demonstrates the power of vaccines in controlling their spread and outbreaks.

Eradication Milestones: A major victory for public health, the region is now free from wild poliovirus since 2014, marking the eradication of this crippling disease. Additionally, the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus protects mothers and newborns from this deadly complication of childbirth.
Vaccines are one of the most cost-effective healthcare interventions available. Immunization offers vital protection throughout life, from adolescence to adulthood and beyond. They prevent costly illness, hospitalisation, and complications, saving money in the long run. 
 
The story of vaccines in Southeast Asia is a testament to scientific progress, global collaboration, and unwavering commitment to public health. As new vaccines are developed, the future promises even greater protection for children across the region.

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Publications

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Fourth Consultation of the Regional Expert Panel for Verification of Hepatitis B Control in the South-East Asia Region, Mumbai, India 16–18 January 2024

Hepatitis B control had gained momentum in the WHO South-East (SE) Asia Region as its public health burden had been recognized even prior to the COVID-19...

Fifth Regional Workshop to strengthen surveillance and outbreak preparedness and response for priority vaccine preventable diseases including measles, rubella, and polio

Fifth Regional workshop to strengthen surveillance and outbreak preparedness and response for priority vaccine preventable diseases including measles,...

Regional workshop on Invasive Bacterial Disease (IBD) surveillance, New Delhi, India, 20 December 2022

The Invasive bacterial disease includes surveillance for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), Neisseria meningitidis...

Regional Workshop on lot release of COVID-19 vaccines Kasauli, India, 10–14 October 2022

A five-day regional workshop on “Lot release of COVID-19 vaccines” was conducted in Kasauli, India from 10 to 14 October 2022 by the Communicable...

Ninth Meeting of Polio Laboratory Network of South-East Asia Region, 27–29 September 2023, Mumbai, India

To eradicate poliovirus worldwide, World Health Assembly passed a resolution in 1988 that led to the establishment of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative...

Regional workshop on strengthening vaccine safety surveillance and capacity-building for causality assessment: Bangkok, Thailand, 20–22 September 2022

The main objective of the meeting was to strengthen vaccine safety surveillance and causality assessment (CA) of serious adverse events following immunization...

Ninth South-East Asia Regional Meeting of Virologists of the Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network, Lucknow, India, 1–2 September 2022

The Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN) is the largest internationally coordinated laboratory network providing high-quality laboratory...

Fifteenth Meeting of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Certification Commission for Poliomyelitis Eradication

The WHO South-East (SE) Asia Region was certified polio-free by the South-East Asia Regional Certification Commission for Poliomyelitis Eradication (SEA-RCCPE)...

Celebrate Life! Vaccination is Protection
Health workers in the South-East Asia Region are on the front lines delivering immunization and other essential health services and currently fighting...

Videos

Regional and Country EPI Factsheet