This regional report presents the rollout and results of the 2023 NITAG Maturity Assessment Tool (NMAT) across 20 of the 22 countries in WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region, following capacity‑building workshops held in early 2023. Countries conducted self-assessments of their National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) and developed improvement plans based on seven key indicators of functionality. Findings show that while all countries have established NITAGs, most operate at basic to intermediate maturity levels, with notable gaps in independence, conflict‑of‑interest management, and use of evidence‑to‑recommendation processes. Strengths include widespread commitment, regular meetings, and broad areas of expertise, while improvement plans commonly focus on updating terms of reference, strengthening secretariats, formalizing SOPs, improving transparency, enhancing evidence‑based decision-making, and deepening engagement with ministries of health. The report concludes with recommended follow-up actions, including biennial reassessment, targeted capacity building, and strengthened regional support.
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Report
WHO
