WHO South-East Asia Region advances vaccine and immunization research preparedness for future outbreaks and pandemics

The WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), in collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), convened a three-day Regional Consultation on Vaccine and Immunization Research Preparedness for Vaccine-Preventable Disease (VPD) Outbreaks and Pandemics from 14–16 April 2026 in Shangri-La Eros Hotel at New Delhi, India. This hybrid Regional consultation brought together over ninety participants from all ten Member States, along with experts from academia, regulatory authorities, vaccine manufacturers, and development partners. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr Rakesh Agrawal, Chairperson of the WHO SEAR Immunization Technical Advisory Group, and Dr Asela Gunawardena, Director General of Health Services, Sri Lanka.

At the outset, Dr Suman Rijal, Director of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control, WHO SEARO, welcomed all participants. The consultation was inaugurated with welcome remarks by Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia, followed by partner remarks from Dr Kent Kester (CEPI) (video recorded) and special remarks by Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research, Government of India. In his Chief Guest address, Prof. V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, emphasized the urgent need for the Region to move towards a coordinated and pre-established research preparedness system to effectively respond to future pandemics.

In this Regional consultation, WHO SEARO presented a draft regional framework on Vaccine and Immunization Research Preparedness, structured around six pillars: basic science research, clinical and epidemiological research, governance, vaccine market and manufacturing research, implementation research, and behavioural and communication research. These pillars are supported by key enablers including data sharing, digitalization, financing, partnerships, and knowledge exchange. The framework aims to establish a coordinated, resilient, and ready-to-activate research ecosystem capable of generating timely, high-quality, and policy-relevant evidence during outbreaks and pandemics, while also strengthening routine immunization systems.

Participants emphasized the importance of moving from reactive to proactive research models through sustained preparedness, including pre-approved protocols, strengthened clinical trial networks, genomic surveillance systems, and rapid financing mechanisms. The consultation also highlighted the need for regulatory harmonization, stronger governance frameworks, and greater integration of research within immunization programmes.

Recognizing the diversity of capacities across the Region, participants agreed that not all countries need to be at the same level of preparedness across all pillars. Instead, countries can prioritize areas based on their existing strengths, while leveraging regional platforms for shared learning and collaboration. Smaller countries particularly emphasized the value of regional mechanisms to access technical expertise and infrastructure.

The consultation concluded with a strong call for sustained investment, strengthened partnerships, and collective action to ensure that future outbreak responses are guided by timely, evidence-based decision-making. The Region is well-positioned to advance global goals such as the 100-Day Mission and to build a more resilient and equitable research ecosystem for the future.