Global Immunization Vision and Strategy

In response to challenges in global immunization, WHO and UNICEF developed the Global Immunization Vision and Strategy (GIVS). In brief, GIVS aims to assist countries to immunize more people, from infants to seniors, with a greater range of vaccines. GIVS is the first ever global ten-year framework to fight vaccine-preventable diseases through immunization. It covers the period 2006 to 2015.

GIVS has four main aims:

• to immunize more people against more diseases;
• to introduce a range of newly available vaccines and technologies;
• to integrate other critical health interventions with immunization; and
• to manage vaccination programmes within the context of global interdependence.

Goals and strategies

GIVS contains a number of ambitious immunization goals. In addition, it provides over two dozen strategies from which countries can choose for implementation according to their specific needs.

Progress

A report on progress in implementing GIVS was made at the 2008 World Health Assembly. It highlighted improvements in routine immunization coverage, introduction of new vaccines and reduction in measles deaths. It also outlined further efforts needed.

Cost and impact

Results of a study by WHO/UNICEF estimating the cost and financing of implementing GIVS in the 72 poorest countries were published in 2005. The study determined that with an additional US$ 1 billion per year, immunization could save 10 million more lives in the following decade.

Related links

Last updated: 8 January 2009

2 November 2009
GIN Ocotber 2009 [pdf 458kb]

21 October 2009
State of the world's vaccines and immunization. Third edition