New WHO collaborating centre to strengthen immunization policy-making across Europe

The Robert Koch Institute's (RKI) Immunization Unit has been designated the WHO Collaborating Centre for Evidence-based Immunization Policy Making, in recognition of its role in strengthening national immunization technical advisory groups (NITAGs) across the WHO European Region. This new status marks a strengthened partnership with WHO that will accelerate efforts to ensure that national-level immunization policies are grounded in rigorous evidence and deliver equitable vaccine access for all.

"WHO/Europe applauds the German Government's commitment to global health through its support of RKI's collaboration with WHO," says Dr Ihor Perehinets, Health Security and Regional Emergency Director. "This partnership exemplifies how sustained investment and collaboration can fortify immunization systems and promote health security across borders."

Vital role of NITAGs in protecting public health

NITAGs are multidisciplinary bodies composed of national experts who provide evidence-based recommendations to governments and public health officials on immunization policies, including on the introduction of new vaccines or delivery technologies, immunization schedules, and programme financing.

The enormous potential of vaccines to protect health and well-being hinges on trust and equitable access. By systematically gathering, reviewing and evaluating available evidence and translating it into recommendations tailored to local contexts, NITAGs empower decision-makers to make highly credible immunization policy decisions that health-care professionals accept and that the public can trust. Their guidance safeguards public health, builds vaccine confidence and reduces cross-border health threats throughout Europe.

Closing the gap in NITAG capacities

Yet, across the WHO European Region, the resources and performance of NITAGs vary widely. Many recently established NITAGs, particularly in middle-income countries, face challenges in aligning their work with WHO recommendations, formulating evidence-based recommendations and ensuring effective coordination with national decision-makers. This can diminish the impact of their crucial advice on immunization policies.

Over the past 5 years, RKI and WHO/Europe have led comprehensive NITAG evaluations, developed tailored improvement plans and pioneered innovative training methods. Thanks to this joint initiative, significant progress has been made in building sustainable, evidence-informed decision-making capacity.

The new designation formalizes RKI's leadership in this area and sets the stage for even deeper collaboration with WHO. As the vaccine landscape rapidly evolves with new vaccines and technologies, shifting health priorities, and constrained resources, strong, credible NITAGs are more crucial than ever.