Strengthening immunisation policymaking in the Pacific Islands region

The NCIRS Global Health team recently facilitated a successful Pacific Islands National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) Support Project Inter-Regional Workshop held in Nadi, Fiji on 20–21 February 2024. 

The aims of this activity – which was funded by Wellcome and undertaken in collaboration with the World Health Organization Division of Pacific Technical Support and the University of Sydney – were to: 

• better understand current Pacific Island Countries and Area vaccine policy decision-making processes 
• explore avenues to further strengthen these from Pacific leaders’ perspective.  

Attendees from 15 Pacific Island Countries and Areas came together and enjoyed an active dialogue on how to further advance immunisation policymaking and delivery across the region. 

Building on existing strengths and successes in combating diseases such as measles and COVID-19 in the region, new Pacific-led opportunities to further strengthen immunisation policy and programs in Pacific countries are emerging.  

Further updates on the outcomes of the workshop will be provided later this year.