Vaccination has prevented millions of deaths and disabilities in the Western Pacific Region. However, inequitable access to vaccination remains a major problem in many countries. The Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunization (VDI) unit aims to build a Region free from vaccine-preventable diseases. This is achieved by supporting Member States to achieve the goals of the Regional Framework for Implementation of the Global Vaccine Action Plan.

The immunization goals for the Western Pacific Region are:

• Sustaining polio-free status
• Eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus
• Eliminating measles
• Accelerating control of hepatitis B
• Eliminating rubella
• Introducing new vaccines
• Meeting regional vaccination coverage targets
• Accelerating control of Japanese encephalitis