How do we restore and strengthen immunization to effectively reach populations in humanitarian settings? An estimated two-thirds of zero-dose children live in conflict-affected settings. More broadly, countries that are considered as fragile and conflict-affected states by the World Bank and IMF are home to nearly one billion people, nearly double the level 20 years ago. Research suggests that global conflicts are lasting longer and becoming more complex with greater impacts on civilian populations.

It is within this context that Gavi is currently revising its Fragility, Emergencies and Refugees Policy and will be inviting stakeholders to engage via a public consultation from 25 March to 1 April 2022. Alongside this, Gavi and IVAC have partnered to organize a zero dose-focused webinar. A panel of humanitarian and immunization experts will discuss the importance of prioritizing immunization equity in humanitarian settings and key issues for maintaining routine services including childhood immunization. The discussion will also explore what Gavi and partners are doing to reach the most marginalized children.

Panelists:

• Amy LaTrielle, MBA, Director, Fragile and Conflict Countries at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
• Ann Burton, MD, MPH, Chief of the Public Health Section, UNHCR
• Gilbert Burnham, MD, PhD, MSc, Professor – Emeritus, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• William Moss, MD, MPH, Executive Director, International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health