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146th WHO EB Agenda Item 8: Global Vaccine Action Plan – Delivered by Dr. Sadre Alam, First Secretary (Geneva, 3-8 February 2020)

146th WHO EB Agenda Item 8: Global Vaccine Action Plan – Delivered by Dr. Sadre Alam, First Secretary

Thank you Mr. Chair,

We welcome the agenda and areas identified in the Global vaccine action plan.

Improving the health status of our children is amongst the top priorities of Government of India. India is already polio free and has eliminated maternal & neonatal tetanus. To ensure equitable access of vaccines for all, we are investing a lot of resources in immunization.

We are now providing protection against 12 deadly vaccine preventable diseases through our Universal Immunization Programme. Subsequent to polio eradication, and as per the Polio Endgame Strategy, my country has introduced Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) in 2015. In view of global shortage of IPV, fractional dose of IPV is introduced, but the shortage of IPV continues.

We have already moved ahead by introducing Measles Rubella (MR) vaccine through campaigns. MR Surveillance is also being strengthened under MR elimination goal.

Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV) has been introduced nationwide. For the underserved, vulnerable, resistant and inaccessible populations, immunization is being strengthened through Mission Indradhanush.

Mr. Chair,

For a robust Global Vaccine Action Plan, access and affordability are fundamental. A concerted effort to avoid unjustified price hike or scarcity needs to be ensured.

Thank you.