Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals

The Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals department is responsible for targeting vaccine-preventable diseases, guiding immunization research and establishing immunization policy.

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Gender and immunization

©UN070230/Chim Chisiza

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Why does gender matter for immunization?

Gender-related barriers and gender inequality can prevent people, both male and female, from getting vaccinated. The goal of gender equity is to ensure that everyone has the same chances and opportunities to access and benefit from immunization services.

Gender impacts immunization both on the demand side, through people’s health seeking behaviours, and on the supply side provision of health services. By applying knowledge about gender and taking action to design gender-responsive interventions it is possible to implement more effective immunization programmes and increase coverage for all.

WHO is working with countries and partners to address gender-related barriers to healthcare and to implement programmes, services and policies that promote gender equality.

Resources

Why Gender Matters : Immunization Agenda 2030

This document explains the need for mainstreaming of gender across the core principles and strategic priorities of Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030).

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Background paper

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Global and national strategic plans for COVID-19 preparedness andresponse must be grounded in strong gender analysis and must ensure meaningful participation...

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A Gender Lens to Advance Equity in Immunization

Equity Reference Group for Immunization Discussion Paper

Gender and Immunization Demand

Step by step guidance on how to integrate a gender perspective into demand generation initiatives.

GPEI Gender Equality Strategy

A strategy outlining the commitments of GPEI to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in its efforts to eradicate polio.

Integrating Gender in Immunization Demand. Case studies. UNICEF and Gavi.

Integrating Gender in Immunization Demand. Promising practices from six countries.

Case studies from Liberia, Mozambique, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sudan, and Yemen showcasing good practices in applying gender responsive and transformative approaches to demand interventions.

Checklist for tackling gender barriers to COVID-19 vaccine deployment cover

Checklist for Tackling Gender-Related Barriers to Equitable COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment

A guidance note and checklist of key actions for countries to prioritize to integrate gender considerations in the planning, delivery, and monitoring of COVID-19 vaccine deployment.

Gender and Immunization Demand Checklist

A checklist to guide country offices on key gender considerations as they plan, implement, monitor and evaluate gender responsive or transformative demand interventions for immunization.

Webinar series

This Why Gender Matters webinar series aims to improve awareness and understanding of how gender-related barriers impact immunization and to showcase examples of gender-responsive programming to improve coverage and equity.

All materials and recordings are available here.

Why Gender Matters for Immunization
Understanding gender-related barriers to immunization: importance of gender data and analysis
Gender responsive actions for the health workforce
Making community engagement and social mobilization gender responsive and transformative
Engaging with men and promoting a family approach to transform gender norms
Empower and collaborate with civil society and change agents to overcome gender barriers
Advancing gender equality and improving coverage through integrated services and collaboration across sectors
Applying a gender lens to research and innovation
Implementing gender-responsive immunization services in emergency settings