Abstract

Last year, the recommendations made by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) in the mid-term review of the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) informed the development of a new World Health Assembly Resolution (WHA70.14), approved in May 2017. WHO Member States renewed their commitment to strengthen governance and leadership of national immunization programmes to accelerate progress to achieve the GVAP goals. Highlights on NITAGs from the 2017 SAGE assessment report of the Global Vaccine Action Plan.

"NITAGs, RITAGs and the Global NITAG Network all have potentially important roles to play in the strengthening of national immunization programmes, with NITAGs being specifically referenced in the 2017 World Health Assembly resolution. The number of countries with NITAGs complying with six basic process indicators has grown significantly since 2010, reaching 83 (42% of countries) in 2016. Recent progress has been particularly marked in the African and Western Pacific regions.
However, there remains a need to ensure that NITAGs function effectively. In particular, to perform their roles as independent advisory bodies, NITAGs need to maintain high levels of transparency and of disclosure and management of relevant interests. Some countries may also require innovative solutions for NITAG development, such as small island nations with small populations (but which collectively account for large numbers of people). Regional collaboration will be important for increasing the numbers of NITAGs and strengthening their contributions to national immunization programmes.
Specifically, RITAGs have the potential to support the establishment and development of NITAGs, particularly by enhancing their capacity for evidencebased review. The Global NITAG Network, which held its formal inaugural meeting in 2017, provides additional opportunities for boosting the role of NITAGs and for sharing good practice, particularly through the NITAG Resource Centre."

More information on the report here.