Gavi announced in August 2024 that health ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have pledged to increase investments in immunisation to “improve health security” and “protect populations from vaccine-preventable diseases” in Southeast Asia. These commitments took place at a high-level side event between ASEAN and Gavi at the ASEAN Health Minister Meeting. Ministers agreed to set a regional health financing target focused on “increasing domestic investments in immunisation and strengthening health systems”.
A useful platform
The biennial meeting draws representatives from the ten ASEAN Member States, donor countries, international organisations, and development banks. It provides a “platform for meaningful discussions and dialogue” on “pressing health challenges and emerging opportunities” in the region. This year’s meeting, in collaboration with Gavi, focused on equitable and sustainable immunisation programmes, robust financing, and strengthened health security.
Outbreaks and immunisation
As immunisation coverage declines, the “growing” threat of severe disease outbreaks in East Asia and the Pacific is “deeply concerning”. A key indicator of routine vaccine coverage is coverage of the third dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis-containing vaccine (DTP3), but this dropped in the region from 94% in 2019 to 87% in 2023.
Dr Saima Wazed, Reigonal Director at WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, demanded “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.”
UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Director Ms June Kunugi stated that declining immunisation coverage “puts millions of children at risk of entirely preventable diseases”.
“This is not merely a health issue but a political imperative. ASEAN’s commitment to increasing investment in immunisation 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.”
Health and development
Gavi already works with six of the ten ASEAN countries on routine immunisation programmes and invests in health systems and supports preparedness and response to vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks. The latest commitment recognises vaccines as a “cost-effective and impactful public health and development measure”. Gavi’s CEO Dr Sania Nishtar reflected that immunisation investment is “more important than ever before” in a world “confronting the increased risks of climate change and serious disease outbreaks”.
“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.”
Gavi and ASEAN will also develop a plan for a “shared vision for health cooperation” with a focus on “aligning immunisation strategies with broader health priorities and mobilising support from donor countries”. This plan will be presented to ASEAN health ministers in 2025.
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