Meeting:

140th WHO Executive Board Meeting

Geneva - Switzerland

Agenda Item:
9.1 Global vaccine action plan

Statement:

Honorable Chairperson of the Executive Board, Distinguished Delegates,

Today, I speak on behalf of the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation, the leading global advocacy
organisation for pharmaceutical students and recent graduates.

The global vaccine plan has significantly advanced since its inception in 2012. Targets of new or underutilised
vaccines introduced into low or middle income countries have been exceeded. IPSF appreciates the progress
made in vaccine research and development especially in Malaria, where the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine has 3
pilot programmes in sub-saharan Africa .

Notwithstanding the achievement, several midpoint targets have been missed in six key areas: polio eradication;
neonatal tetanus ; measles ; rubella elimination ; and routine coverage (missed by 68 countries who could not
achieve 90% coverage). Lack of access to vaccinations across all income streams was the reason for this failure.
IPSF has witnessed a disconnect between immunisation and the health system agenda with the resultant
underrepresentation of immunisation in major global health discussions. This problem has extended to countries
where low commitment to the plan has become a major area of vulnerability. Very few countries around the
world have addressed the implementation of pharmacists as immunizers, although pharmacists are well trained,
capable and the most accessible healthcare providers.

In some countries, pharmacists and student pharmacists work with other healthcare professionals to provide
vaccinations in areas with limited accessibility to care. As future healthcare professionals, the successful
delivery of the vaccine action program is our responsibility. We have to ensure there is adequate academic and
practical training. IPSF recommends member states make vaccination a core component in the pharmacy
curricula to alleviate any lack of confidence in utilising pharmacists as immunizers.

Through successful management of the vaccine plan, 1.5 million lives and 19.4 million infants could be saved.

Thank you.

Speaker :

Mr Yacoob Moustafa
IPSF Chairperson of External Relations