| Printable Copy |
 |
| Printable Copy |
|
MEETING OF THE STRATEGIC ADVISORY GROUP OF EXPERTS ON IMMUNIZATION, APRIL 2015: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on immunization met on 14–16
April 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland. The complete set of presentations and background materials used for the SAGE meeting of 14-16 April 2015 together with the list of SAGE members and the summarized declarations of interests provided by SAGE members are available at http://www.who.int/immunization/sage/meetings/2015/april/en
EXCERPTS
Report from the WHO Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals
The report focused on: the implementation of the Global Vaccine Action Plan
(GVAP) and the related discussions during meetings of the WHO Governing Bodies
at global and regional levels; the programmatic priorities to close the immunization
gap; an update on implementation of selected SAGE recommendations; and
agenda items on the horizon for future meetings.
The report stressed that reaching the GVAP goals is resource intensive (human
and financial) and emphasized the urgent need for adequate investments and focus
in order to increase routine immunization coverage which has been almost static, at
global level, since 2009 and below the expected 90% coverage.
The report noted the current global shortage of bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG)
vaccine and proposed interim solutions while stressing the need for the global
community to pay more attention and take measures to avoid future shortages of
other recommended vaccines.
SAGE took note of regional progress and commended the work carried out to advance regional vaccine action plans and promote activities to strengthen routine
immunization.
SAGE stressed that additional disaggregation was needed in the analysis of the progress achieved on the ground, and in identifying bottlenecks for progress, and recommended that reports display disparities observed at subnational levels.
In view of weak infrastructure in some countries with a related inability to deliver vaccines, SAGE called for new politically supported initiatives to mobilize partners and resources to apply technological know-how in fragile countries and find ways to build infrastructure
in fragile systems. SAGE reaffirmed the need for solutions that simplify operations on the ground, including delivery technologies such as compact pre-filled auto-disable injection technology. In this context SAGE also acknowledged the importance of the polio infrastructure and noted how it had been critical in helping to deal with the Ebola situation, particularly in Nigeria.
SAGE stressed the importance of applying rigour and science in implementation programme design and evaluation of delivery of vaccines, in order to maximize the impact of current and future vaccines and delivery technologies.
SAGE also stressed the need to draw lessons from the Ebola epidemic regarding mobilization of communities as well as the encouragement of countries and partners to mobilize the private sector.
SAGE supported WHOs plan to expand guidance beyond the current framework on the use of vaccines in humanitarian emergencies to include guidance on how to re-establish routine vaccination in those settings.
At the January 2015 WHO Executive Board meeting, Member States endorsed a resolution for pre-emptive development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola virus disease. WHO was asked to provide leadership in supporting a prioritized research agenda. A framework for action in relation to vaccine development was proposed, which would include public health criteria, technical feasibility, regulatory pathways, and economic considerations. The issues will be reviewed by SAGE, the Product Development for Vaccines Advisory Committee (PDVAC), the Expert Committee on Biological Standardization (ECBS) and other forums, with the aim of reaching an agreement within a year.