WHO SEARO hosts DPR Korea NITAG delegation for immunization policy exchange

New Delhi, India, 16 September 2026 — The World Health Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia is hosting a high level  delegation from the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group of the Ministry of Public Health, DPR Korea, from 16 to 28 September 2026 for a technical exchange on evidence-informed immunization policymaking.

Coordinated by the IVD unit under HDC department, this visit will focus on strengthening National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) governance, evidence review, conflict-of-interest management, recommendation development, and links with national immunization programme priorities.

The exchange supports WHO regional efforts to sustain immunization gains, close immunity gaps, and accelerate progress towards vaccine-preventable disease goals under the Regional Vaccine Implementation Plan 2022–2026 and Immunization Agenda 2030.

“Strong national advisory mechanisms help countries make timely, transparent, and evidence-informed immunization decisions,” said Dr Nilesh Buddha, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office.

“NITAGs are essential for translating science into practical vaccine policy and programme recommendations,” said Dr Suman Rijal, Director, Department of Healthier Populations and Noncommunicable Diseases, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office.

“WHO remains committed to supporting DPR Korea in strengthening immunization systems and sustaining gains against vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Dr Alaka Singh, Ag WHO Representative to DPR Korea.

“This exchange will support our efforts to strengthen evidence review and immunization decision-making in DPR Korea,” said Dr Pak Kyong Nam, head of the delegation from the Ministry of Public Health, DPR Korea.

WHO will continue to support Member States in strengthening immunization policy review, evidence synthesis and programme decision-making to protect communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.