National immunization technical advisory groups (NITAGs) in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR): A decade of shaping immunization policies, 2010–2021

Abstract

In the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) of the World Health Organization (WHO), little is known on National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups’ (NITAGs) outputs, including recommendations and their outcomes. We abstracted information from the WHO/UNICEF joint reporting forms and extracted implemented immunization policy decisions from the WHO immunization portal. We describe trends in establishments and functionality of NITAGs and immunization policies implemented in EMR from 2010 to 2021. In 2013, all 22 EMR countries had a NITAG, although only 20 remained active in 2021. The number of countries meeting six NITAG process indicators increased from 7 in 2010, to 14 in 2019, then reduced to 12 in 2021. In 2021, the proportion of countries with a functional NITAG decreased with income level, from 83% in high-income countries, to 55% in middle-income countries and 20% in low-income countries. From 2010 to 2021, there were 103 new vaccine introductions, 31 vaccine switches, and 28 schedule changes implemented across all 22 countries, irrespective of income groups. While NITAGs are established and making recommendations in countries, their functionality decreases with income level. Governments should continue to invest in NITAGs, including on strengthening processes and ensuring that recommendations made are based on evidence to decision frameworks.