NCIRS launches global health strategy

NCIRS has unveiled our new Global Health Strategy 2025–2030, a comprehensive six-year action plan focused on strengthening immunisation systems – and reducing vaccine-preventable diseases – across the Asia-Pacific region. 

The ambitious Strategy aims to build on decades of global immunisation progress and tackle the challenges that persist in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 

Equitable, evidence-based, sustainable

Immunisation has long been a cornerstone of global health, and since the 1974 launch of the World Health Organization (WHO) Essential (or Expanded) Program on Immunization (EPI), vaccines have saved an estimated 154 million lives. 

However, inequities in vaccine access, resource limitations and the complexities of new vaccine introductions continue to present challenges for immunisation programs in our region and beyond.

In alignment with global strategic guidance, such as the Immunization Agenda 2030 and Gavi 6.0, NCIRS’ global health strategy seeks to improve population health in the Asia-Pacific region through equitable, evidence-based and sustainable immunisation programs. 

The strategy will be operationalised through an implementation plan and guided by five core principles revolving around tailored country approaches, collaboration, health system strengthening, equity and use of data.
 

Priorities for 2025–2030

The strategy will focus on five interdependent priority areas, all of which are essential to reducing the impact of vaccine preventable diseases across the life course and advancing global health security:

• Priority 1: Support the design and delivery of safe, equitable, effective and sustainable immunisation programs.
• Priority 2: Encourage the use of evidence-based decision-making to develop locally tailored immunisation policies and programs.
• Priority 3: Foster development of equitable and inclusive immunisation programs that incorporate a range of programmatic, social and behavioural data.
• Priority 4: Facilitate research, monitoring and evaluation of immunisation program implementation, effectiveness, safety and impact.
• Priority 5: Build capacity of NCIRS staff to support immunisation programs and reduce vaccine preventable disease threats.
   

A collaborative effort

The success of the strategy will be dependent on collaboration – not just with governments and international partners but also with local communities. 

The strategy will aim to empower countries to develop more inclusive and sustainable immunisation systems that reach every community, regardless of their circumstances.

By prioritising equity, data-driven decision-making and health system strengthening, the strategy is a step towards a future where immunisation is accessible to all and no one is left behind in the fight against vaccine preventable diseases.

As we move towards 2030, the world faces immense challenges but also opportunities to build healthier, more resilient communities through immunisation. 

NCIRS is committed to being at the forefront of this global effort, working alongside countries to create lasting change for millions of people across the Asia-Pacific region.
 

Access the Strategy

Learn more about NCIRS’ Global Health team
 

About NCIRS
Established in 1997, NCIRS has long been a leader in immunisation research and vaccine preventable disease control in Australia. The organisation has been expanding its efforts in the global health domain since 2019, with a focus on providing technical support, conducting research and strengthening immunisation systems in the Asia-Pacific region. NCIRS works with governments – including the Australian Government – as well as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO, UNICEF and other partners such as the Australian Regional Immunisation Alliance (ARIA).