Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals
The Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals department is responsible for targeting vaccine-preventable diseases, guiding immunization research and establishing immunization policy.
Gender and immunization
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Credits
Why does gender matter for immunization?
Gender-related barriers and gender inequality can prevent people, both male and female, from getting vaccinated. The goal of gender equity is to ensure that everyone has the same chances and opportunities to access and benefit from immunization services.
Gender impacts immunization both on the demand side, through people’s health seeking behaviours, and on the supply side provision of health services. By applying knowledge about gender and taking action to design gender-responsive interventions it is possible to implement more effective immunization programmes and increase coverage for all.
WHO is working with countries and partners to address gender-related barriers to healthcare and to implement programmes, services and policies that promote gender equality.
Resources
Featured publication | 30 December 2021
Why Gender Matters : Immunization Agenda 2030
This document explains the need for mainstreaming of gender across the core principles and strategic priorities of Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030).
18 April 2021
Critical Sex and Gender Considerations for Equitable Research, Development and Delivery...
Background paper
14 May 2020
Gender and COVID-19: Advocacy brief
Global and national strategic plans for COVID-19 preparedness andresponse must be grounded in strong gender analysis and must ensure meaningful participation...
Webinar series
This Why Gender Matters webinar series aims to improve awareness and understanding of how gender-related barriers impact immunization and to showcase examples of gender-responsive programming to improve coverage and equity.
Thurs 7 March 2024 15h-16h CET Gender responsive actions to improve the quality, accessibility and availability of services
Thurs 4 April 2024 15h-16h CET Empower and collaborate with civil society and change agents to overcome gender barriers
Thurs 9 May 2024 15h-16h CET Advance gender equality and improve coverage through integrated services and collaboration across sectors
Thurs 6 June 2024 15h-16h CET Apply a gender lens to research and innovation
Thurs 11 July 2024 15h-16h CET Implement gender-responsive immunization services in emergency settings
To attend the webinars, please register here. All materials and recordings will be available afterwards here.
Training Opportunities
GenderPro - Immunization Sector Track
WHO, UNICEF and Gavi have collaborated with George Washington University (USA) to develop a training on Gender and Immunization. The GenderPro Capacity Building Course is on-line course that teaches participants how to meaningfully integrate gender into international development and humanitarian programmes.
For more information, contact Tracey Goodman at goodmant@who.int
IA2030 Scholar Course
The WHO Scholar Course on the Immunization Agenda 2030 is an online capacity building course focused on peer-to-peer learning. Since 2021, the course has included a gender component in which participants are asked to integrate gender dimensions into their action plans for improving immunization coverage.
