The Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), endorsed by UN agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, is a comprehensive global vision and strategy aimed at addressing immunization and vaccine challenges over the next decade. This initiative seeks to save over 50 million lives by strengthening immunization systems worldwide.
Launch and Objectives
During World Immunization Week 2021, IA2030 was launched as part of the efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which focuses on Good Health and Well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role of vaccines in fighting diseases, saving lives, and fostering healthier, safer communities. Moving forward, IA2030 emphasizes robust immunization systems to protect people against COVID-19 and other preventable diseases.
IA2030: A Global Strategy to Leave No One Behind
Vision
A world where everyone, everywhere, and at every age benefits fully from vaccines to improve health and well-being. IA2030 aims to:
- Preserve existing immunization gains.
- Recover from disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Achieve greater progress by ensuring inclusivity.
Core Principles
IA2030 is built on four fundamental principles:
- People-focused:
- Immunization services should be responsive to individuals and communities.
- Barriers such as age, location, social and cultural norms, and gender-related factors must be addressed.
- Country-owned:
- Countries are encouraged to set context-specific targets and be held accountable for achieving them.
- Partnership-based:
- Immunization partners should align their actions for efficiency and involve other sectors to maximize impact.
- Data-enabled:
- High-quality data should guide progress tracking, program improvement, and decision-making.
Adaptation
IA2030 builds on lessons from the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP 2011-2020), designed to realize the vision of the Decade of Vaccines.
About World Immunization Week
World Immunization Week is celebrated annually during the last week of April to promote vaccine use to protect people of all ages from diseases.
World Immunization Week 2021 Highlights
- Dates: April 24th to April 30th, 2021.
- Theme: “Vaccines bring us closer.”
- Goals:
- Enhance trust and confidence in vaccines to boost acceptance.
- Increase investment in vaccines, including routine immunization, to eliminate access barriers.
IA2030: Seven Strategic Priorities
To strengthen primary health care and achieve universal health coverage, IA2030 focuses on the following seven strategic priorities:
- Immunization for PHC/UHC:
- Ensure immunization services are effective, efficient, and accessible as part of primary health care, contributing to universal health coverage.
- Commitment & Demand:
- Encourage people to value and actively seek immunization while ensuring authorities commit to its availability.
- Coverage & Equity:
- Achieve full immunization protection for everyone, regardless of location, age, gender, or socioeconomic status.
- Life Course & Integration:
- Ensure lifelong access to recommended immunizations integrated with other essential health services.
- Outbreaks & Emergencies:
- Prepare for, detect, and respond swiftly to vaccine-preventable and emerging disease outbreaks.
- Deliver immunization services during emergencies and in conflict-affected areas.
- Supply & Sustainability:
- Ensure reliable access to affordable, high-quality vaccines and sustainable financing for immunization programs.
- Research & Innovation:
- Accelerate the availability of innovative solutions to enhance immunization program reach and impact.
Key Agendas of IA2030
- Reduce mortality and morbidity from vaccine-preventable diseases across all age groups.
- Increase equitable access and use of new and existing vaccines.
- Achieve 90% coverage for essential vaccines during childhood and adolescence.
- Strengthen immunization within primary health care to promote universal health coverage and sustainable development.
- Avoid 50 million vaccine-preventable infections by the end of the decade.
- Reduce zero-dose children by 50% (children who have not received any vaccine).
IA2030 Operational Plans
The IA2030 strategy will be implemented at national, regional, and global levels through its principles and priorities:
- National Implementation:
- Focus on integrating immunization into national health planning.
- Countries will define specific targets and timelines to achieve the goals.
- Regional Vaccine Action Plans:
- Foster collaboration among regional stakeholders.
- Promote integration with other health initiatives for mutual benefits.
- Global Coordination:
- Align global stakeholders to operationalize IA2030’s vision.
- Establish ambitious yet achievable and measurable targets to ensure accountability.
A Flexible and Adaptive Approach
Given the dynamic nature of infectious diseases, IA2030 emphasizes agility and adaptability in immunization strategies. These strategies must respond to changes in disease epidemiology, technological advancements, community needs, financial realities, and political contexts.
Conclusion
The Immunization Agenda 2030 is a comprehensive roadmap designed to ensure no one is left behind. By strengthening global immunization systems and focusing on equity, sustainability, and innovation, IA2030 aims to protect millions of lives and contribute significantly to global health and well-being. Governments, organizations, and individuals must work together to realize this ambitious vision.