The SEAR-ITAG is a regional technical expert group, established by the Regional Director for providing advice on all aspects of immunization, vaccines and vaccine preventable disease prevention, control, elimination and eradication. It comprises of experts from disciplines such as programme management, communicable disease/vaccine preventable diseases control, virology, epidemiology and immunization. The ITAG meets annually with the participation of national EPI managers and national surveillance focal points, partners and donors. At its annual meetings, it reviews the progress on increasing immunization coverage, surveillance performance, programme issues, and matters related to vaccine quality assurance, and provides guidance to countries on ways to improve and sustain performance. The meeting of the ITAG assumes even greater importance in 2021 due to the COVID-19 vaccine introductions. The guidance and advice provided by the ITAG is through a consensual approach and is respected by all stakeholders including the Ministries of Health. This is the 12th meeting of SEAR-ITAG.
Meeting documents
Day 01
- Objectives of the meeting; introduction of SEAR-ITAG members: Dr Sunil Bahl, WHO-SEARO
- Progress against RVAP goals and impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the RVAP goals – An overview: Dr Sunil Bahl, WHO-SEARO
- Measles and rubella elimination in South-East Asia Region – An overview: Dr Sudhir Khanal, WHO-SEARO
- Regional Vaccine Implementation Plan 2022-2026 – An overview: Dr Jayantha Liyanage, WHO-SEARO
- Country presentation
Day 02
- COVID-19 situation and vaccine roll-out in the South-East Asia Region – An overview: Dr Sunil Bahl, WHO-SEARO
- COVID-19 situation and vaccine roll-out in the South-East Asia Region – An overview: Dr Jos Vandelaer
- COVID-19 vaccine roll-out – global update/ challenges/ COVAX developments, supply scenario: Dr Ann Lindstrand, WHO-HQ
- Highlights on COVID-19 vaccines from recent SAGE meetings, incl. vaccine safety discussions: Dr Alejandro Craviato, SAGE Chair
- Progress and challenges in COVID-19 vaccine roll-out: Bangladesh
- Progress and challenges in COVID-19 vaccine roll-out: Thailand