This editorial, co-authored by four guest editors, summarized the thematic series “Advancing China’s National Immunization Program: Improving its Effectiveness and Sustainability” published in Infectious Diseases of Poverty, led by the innovation Laboratory for Vaccine Delivery Research (VaxLab). The editorial discussed the implementation of China’s national immunization program and the coverage of key non-immunization vaccines, with an emphasis on strategies to improve vaccine coverage. In addition, the editorial mentioned the VaxLab’s future focus areas, including vaccine financing, diversity, equity and inclusiveness of immunization coverage, and maternal vaccination. VaxLab’s research work will be expanded beyond China to Southeast Asian and the WHO Western Pacific region, particularly to address challenges that middle-income countries faced in vaccine financing and delivery.
Closing the immunization gap: Overcoming barriers for new vaccine introduction in Southeast and South Asia
This review, conducted by Innovation Lab for Vaccine Delivery Research (VaxLab) from Duke Kunshan University, was published in Vaccine. The study systematically compares the status of new vaccine introduction within national immunization programs across 13 countries in Southeast and South Asia, with a particular focus on differences associated with Gavi funding eligibility. The findings show that countries eligible for Gavi’s middle-income country (MIC) support approach lag behind in introducing key vaccines such as pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and rotavirus vaccine. Major barriers include underdeveloped evidence-based decision-making processes, limited domestic financing, high vaccine prices, and gaps in immunization system readiness. This article highlights the need to strengthen governance and sustainable financing mechanisms, optimize resource use, and leverage targeted technical support from global partners to accelerate equitable access to life-saving vaccines and advance the Immunization Agenda 2030.