The Covid-19 pandemic has had devastating impact on the health and wellbeing, and lives and livelihoods globally, as well as in the WHO South-East Asia region. From the beginning of the crisis, the development and deployment of safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines, among other tools, was identified as a key response measure, becoming the focus of unprecedented scientific collaboration and innovation, and resulting in the emergency use listing by WHO of multiple vaccines in a very short time – a triumph not just of science but also of solidarity.
By January 2021 – less than 12 months after WHO declared Covid-19 a public health emergency of international concern – the region embarked on one of the most ambitious vaccine rollouts ever undertaken, prioritising groups at highest risk, based on meticulous operational and logistical planning, and marshalling the full scope of available multisectoral resources.
A stellar achievement
As of June 2023, the region had administered an astounding 3.35 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccine, with 74.1 per cent of the population receiving their initial dose, and 67.8 pc completing the two-dose regimen. Approximately 20.9 out of every 100 individuals – most among high-priority groups – had received at least one Covid-19 vaccine booster dose.
The region’s stellar achievement, which helped end the acute phase of the pandemic globally, is testament to the power of collaboration backed by high-level political commitment, substantial domestic and external funding, and steadfast partner support.
The availability of vaccines, made possible through a range of agreements, donations and path-breaking mechanisms such as the COVAX Facility, was pivotal to countering the pandemic. Yet our mission to achieve equitable vaccine distribution remains, as does the need to maintain vigilance and prepare for the next public health emergency.
Standards, protocols
For that, this book makes a critical contribution. Comprising 12 insightful chapters, the book highlights the strategic preparations made by Member States, including costing, procurement and prioritisation; and provides a detailed account of the Region’s overall vaccine rollout campaign.
It documents WHO’s critical role in setting standards and protocols, coordinating with governments and partners, and collaborating with national immunisation technical advisory groups, among other key activities. And it also explores an array of challenges that we have faced together, from supply chain and waste management to management and training of human resources, and vaccine acceptance and uptake, among others.
Range of lessons
In documenting the region’s remarkable journey from Covid-19 vaccine planning and procurement to mass deployment, the book highlights a range of key lessons learnt. I urge all policymakers and high-level leaders, and healthcare professionals and researchers in the region, to leverage and apply these lessons, while at the same time drawing on our many successes, ensuring that together we overcome the remaining impediments, increase resilience and strengthen preparedness and response planning for future emergencies.
