As World Immunization Week 2026 is observed, the World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries in the Western Pacific Region and around the world to strengthen immunization systems, close remaining vaccination gaps, and maintain public trust in vaccines across all age groups. The campaign, themed “For every generation, vaccines work,” underscores the long-standing impact of vaccines in preventing disease and saving lives, with more than 150 million lives saved globally since 1974, including millions in the Western Pacific. Despite this progress, millions of children worldwide, including over 2 million in the region, still miss at least one essential vaccine dose each year, leaving them vulnerable to preventable diseases.
The Western Pacific Region, home to more than a quarter of the global population, has made significant progress in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases. However, these gains remain fragile, as seen in the resurgence of measles and ongoing risks of polio re-emergence in some countries. Health experts stress that vaccination coverage must consistently remain above 95% to prevent outbreaks, especially for highly contagious diseases. Ensuring that no child is left unvaccinated and maintaining strong routine immunization systems are seen as essential to protecting communities and sustaining regional health security.
WHO highlights that key priorities include reaching children who have never received vaccines, sustaining progress toward polio eradication, strengthening control of measles and other preventable diseases, and expanding immunization across all stages of life. At the same time, growing challenges such as misinformation and disinformation, particularly on digital platforms, are undermining vaccine confidence and making it harder for families to make informed health decisions.
Health leaders emphasize that vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in modern medicine, but their success depends on continued trust, access, and political commitment. WHO calls on governments, health workers, and communities to ensure accurate information is shared, vaccination records are checked, and missed doses are completed. Strengthening immunization systems and addressing gaps in coverage are seen as critical steps to ensuring that no one is left behind.
Across the region, WHO is working with countries to improve vaccine access, strengthen health systems, and support responses to emerging health risks. Officials stress that immunization must remain a central pillar of public health policy, supported by sustained investment and leadership, to protect every generation and secure long-term health gains.
