ASEAN Member States have committed to boosting immunization coverage through a combination of innovative financing and domestic funding
At the Health Ministers Meeting, ASEAN and Gavi co-hosted an event aimed at creating a platform for knowledge sharing between countries in the region
Dr Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer, Gavi: “In a world confronting the increased risks of climate change and serious disease outbreaks, investing in immunization is more important than ever before. These commitments will help safeguard the health of millions. Visiting and deepening our engagement in the region were key priorities for me as the incoming Gavi CEO. Gavi pledges to be a partner in ASEAN countries’ efforts to save lives, while also building resilient systems that are also better prepared to address health security threats.”
Vientiane, Lao PDR /Geneva, 14 August 2024 – Health ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have pledged to increase investments in immunization to improve health security and protect populations from vaccine-preventable diseases in Southeast Asia.
The commitment was made at a high-level side event convened by ASEAN and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance on 7 August on the sidelines of the 16th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting. The ministers agreed to set a regional health financing target focusing on increasing domestic investments in immunization and strengthening health systems.
Gavi works with six of the ten ASEAN countries on routine immunization programmes, protecting people against diseases such as polio, measles, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, rotavirus, HPV, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) while also investing in health systems and supporting preparedness and response to vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks.
This commitment by ASEAN Member States recognizes vaccines as a cost-effective and impactful public health and development measure. Commenting on the meeting’s outcome, Dr Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, said: “In a world confronting the increased risks of climate change and serious disease outbreaks, investing in immunization is more important than ever before. These commitments will help safeguard the health of millions. Visiting and deepening our engagement in the region were key priorities for me as the incoming Gavi CEO. Gavi pledges to be a partner in ASEAN countries’ efforts to save lives, while also building resilient systems that are also better prepared to address health security threats.”
The event hosted by ASEAN and Gavi builds on a similar dialogue where ministers of health and finance from nine African countries met in Côte d’Ivoire in July this year and committed to the country’s investment in building sustainable immunization programmes. Gavi and ASEAN will also develop a plan for a shared vision for health cooperation focused on aligning immunization strategies with broader health priorities and mobilizing support from donor countries. The joint plan will be presented to ASEAN health ministers in 2025.
The biennial ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting is attended by all ten ASEAN Member States, some donor countries, international organizations and development banks. The gathering provides a platform for meaningful discussions and dialogue on the region's pressing health challenges and emerging opportunities. This year, in collaboration with Gavi, the focus was on equitable and sustainable immunization programmes, robust financing and strengthened health security.
However, the growing threat of severe disease outbreaks in East Asia and the Pacific is deeply concerning, especially as increasing due to declining immunization coverage. For example, coverage of the third dose of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis-containing vaccine (DTP3) – a key indicator of routine vaccine coverage – in the region dropped from 94% to 87% between 2019 and 2023, according to the latest estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. This decline underscores the urgent need for collective action to safeguard the health and future of our communities.
In her message, Dr Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, emphasized that: “The focus must be on tailored approaches, identified in consultation with the affected communities – local solutions to local issues. No matter how challenging or remote the setting is, we will need to find new ways to reach the children most at risk of life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases. It is our individual as well as collective responsibility.”
“The current decline in immunization coverage in East Asia and the Pacific puts millions of children at risk of entirely preventable diseases,” said Ms June Kunugi, UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Director. "This is not merely a health issue but a political imperative. ASEAN's commitment to increasing investment in immunization demonstrates strong leadership and a dedication to protecting our future generations. UNICEF is ready to work with ASEAN governments and Gavi to turn this promise into action and ensure the health of children in the region."
A strengthened partnership between ASEAN and Gavi will aim to co-create a detailed roadmap for sustainable and equitable immunization in Southeast Asia and support the region’s preparedness and response to health threats. ASEAN health ministers’ pledge comes as Gavi seeks US$9 billion in new donor funding for its ambitious plans to protect more people against more diseases faster than ever before – reaching 500 million children and saving over 8 million lives between 2026 and 2030. During this time, the Vaccine Alliance and countries will make a final push towards achieving the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on building a healthier future for generations to come.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Eunice Kilonzo-Muraya, Gavi
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ekilonzo@gavi.org
Meg Sharafudeen, Gavi
+41 79 711 55 54
msharafudeen@gavi.org
Chiara Frisone, UNICEF East Asia and Pacific
Communication Specialist
+66 626 925 897
cfrisone@unicef.org
WHO media contact
SEMediaRelations@who.int