Day 4 of PGIVAC 2025 Showcases Global Strategies for Strengthening National Immunization Programs
Chandigarh, PGIMER // On the fourth day of the 4th Postgraduate International Vaccinology Course (PGIVAC 2025), global and national experts gathered to explore one of the most pressing topics in public health: the integration of vaccines into national immunisation programs. The focus of the day was clear: leveraging data, innovation, and collaboration to make life-saving vaccines accessible to every child.
The day began with a keynote by Dr. Narendra K. Arora, Executive Director of The INCLEN Trust International, who set the tone by stressing the importance of evidence-based policy-making. Dr. Arora highlighted how strong, real-time data can drive strategic decisions in national immunisation efforts.
Dr. Pawan Kumar, Additional Commissioner at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, followed with a detailed presentation on India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). He explained the scale and complexity of UIP and shared insights into its policy framework, digital integration, and ongoing advancements. These include improvements in typhoid surveillance, zero-dose coverage strategies, and streamlined vaccine rollout supported by robust IT systems.
Dr. Jacob John from Christian Medical College, Vellore, and Dr. Brian Wahl from the Yale School of Public Health focused on the science behind vaccine decisions. They offered practical approaches to assessing disease burdens and converting this data into policies that save lives.
Dr. Arindam Ray, India Country Lead for Immunisation and Surveillance at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, emphasized the importance of strengthening healthcare systems to ensure vaccines reach the most vulnerable populations. His talk highlighted the integration of new vaccines into public health programs and the need for equity-driven coverage.
The afternoon brought a series of experience-sharing sessions that offered a global perspective. Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, EPI Manager from Nepal, shared the country’s success story in rolling out the HPV vaccine, while Dr. Samitha Ginige from Sri Lanka discussed their milestones in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases.
Dr. Suresh Dalpath from the William J. Clinton Foundation addressed the challenge of reaching zero-dose and under-vaccinated children in low- and middle-income countries, offering field-level insights and practical solutions.
Innovation took center stage in the latter half of the day. Dr. Raj Shankar Ghosh discussed new technologies transforming immunisation practices. He was followed by Dr. Santosh Ramesh Taur from Pfizer, who spotlighted cutting-edge breakthroughs in vaccine platforms and the importance of a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health.
Dr. Jeffrey Cannon of the Telethon Kids Institute, Australia, rounded out the session with a compelling analysis of the economic implications of introducing Group A Streptococcus vaccines, stressing the value of investing in prevention over treatment.
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The day ended with an engaging Panel Discussion featuring experts such as Dr. Pawan Kumar, Dr. Navneet Bichha, and Dr. Shankar Prinja from GAVI, who explored the real-world challenges in implementing new vaccines at a national scale. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions, discuss barriers, and brainstorm solutions with global leaders in vaccinology.
Closing the day, Dr. Madhu Gupta, Course Director, reflected on the central theme: ensuring no child is left behind in immunisation efforts. She reiterated that building resilient health systems, using data effectively, and embracing innovation are critical to achieving global immunization goals and safeguarding public health worldwide.
