This report, released by VaxLab team, Duke Kunshan University at the WHO Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, aimed to compare the coverage and implementation of national immunization programmes (NIP) in 13 ASEAN and SAARC countries. The study found that, although most countries have routine vaccine coverage rates of over 90%, the introduction and coverage of newer vaccines, such as HPV, PCV, and RV, remain significantly lower. Financing is the core challenge for the sustainability of immunization. Gavi-eligible countries rely heavily on external funding, while non-eligible countries mainly depend on domestic financing. As some countries gradually graduate from Gavi support, the sustainability of their NIP faces severe challenges. The report also identified systemic barriers, including poorly functioning NITAGs, cold-chain constraints, shortages of health workers, and weak data quality and monitoring systems.
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.
