Sixteenth Meeting of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group

Overview

The WHO South-East Asia Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group (SEAR-ITAG) serves as the regional forum for providing independent, evidence-based recommendations on immunization policies and strategies within the Region. Established by the WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, SEAR-ITAG plays a central role in shaping the regional immunization framework, ensuring alignment with global initiatives such as the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) and the Regional Vaccine Implementation Plan (RVIP) 2022–2026. 

SEAR-ITAG is composed of experts from diverse fields including programme management, communicable disease control, virology, epidemiology, immunization, and behavioural sciences. The group convenes annually, and as needed, to review progress, identify emerging challenges, and recommend strategic actions aimed at strengthening immunization systems and managing vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Additionally, SEAR-ITAG provides timely technical guidance to support ongoing regional immunization efforts. 

The sixteenth meeting of SEAR-ITAG was conducted in a hybrid format in New Delhi, India, from 16 to 18 September 2025. This meeting marked a critical milestone in the Region’s immunization efforts, focusing on accelerating progress under the RVIP 2022–2026 and initiating strategic planning for the post-2026 period.  

A total of 175 participants attended, comprising 64 in-person attendees and 111 virtual participants. Participants included SEAR-ITAG members, representatives from National Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) and National Immunization Programmes (NIPs) from all ten Member States of the Region, WHO officials from headquarters, regional and country offices, and delegates from partner agencies such as United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the World Bank. Observers from vaccine manufacturers and other stakeholders were also present. 

This year’s meeting built upon the outcomes of several key regional forums, including the Regional Certification Commission for Polio Eradication (SEA-RCCPE), the Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (SEA-RVC), the Annual Regional Working Group (RWG) meeting, and a special session of SEAR-ITAG held on 12 February 2025. 

Taking place as the Region nears completion of the RVIP 2022–2026, the meeting aimed to:

• review national and regional progress towards RVIP goals;
• address ongoing challenges such as zero-dose children, subnational disparities,
• and surveillance gaps;
• initiate expert consultations regarding the next RVIP beyond 2026; and
• reinforce mechanisms for regional collaboration and accountability. 

The meeting further addressed the evolving immunization landscape, shaped by resource constraints, shifting donor priorities, and the need for resilient health systems. Discussions demonstrated SEAR-ITAG’s continued commitment to sustaining immunization achievements, advancing equity-driven strategies, and fostering innovation in service delivery, data management, and community engagement.  

As a trusted advisory entity, SEAR-ITAG continues to guide WHO and its Member States in addressing complex immunization challenges—ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of universal vaccine access and disease elimination.