Countries Exchange Experiences on Institutionalizing Catch-up Vaccination in South-East Asia

Representatives from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste joined a WHO-supported Country Knowledge Exchange Visit in India to learn practical approaches for institutionalizing catch-up vaccination within routine immunization programmes. The visit brought together national and subnational immunization managers, technical experts and WHO staff to explore how countries can systematically identify, track and vaccinate children who miss routine immunization services.

The exchange was organized around a common understanding that catch-up vaccination should not be implemented only during campaigns or outbreaks but should become a routine and continuous immunization programme function. Discussions focused on beneficiary tracking, microplanning, outreach services, community engagement, vaccine logistics, cold-chain management, supportive supervision and digital innovations.

Participants visited the National Cold Chain and Vaccine Management Resource Centre (NCCVMRC), the WHO Country Office for India and multiple service delivery sites in Delhi and Ghaziabad. Field visits allowed participants to observe immunization services at urban clinics, outreach sites, district vaccine stores and supervisory units.

Across all sites, several practices were consistently highlighted. Participants observed India's use of the U-WIN digital platform for beneficiary registration, vaccination tracking, due-list generation and follow-up of missed children. They also reviewed the eVIN system for real-time vaccine stock and temperature monitoring, helping programme managers maintain vaccine availability and strengthen cold-chain performance.

The exchange demonstrated the importance of combining digital systems with strong community-based approaches. Frontline workers, including community mobilizers and health workers, played a critical role in identifying newborns, migrant populations, zero-dose children and those who had missed scheduled vaccinations. Regular head-count surveys, beneficiary listing, microplanning and due-list tracking were used to ensure that children were not missed.

Participants also noted the value of strong governance and accountability mechanisms. Routine review meetings, supportive supervision, data-driven decision making and clear responsibilities at all levels helped embed catch-up vaccination within the broader immunization programme. Vaccine logistics systems, structured training mechanisms and dedicated cold-chain resource centers further contributed to programme sustainability and quality.

Building on the lessons learned, each participating country developed a draft action plan tailored to its local context. Common priorities included strengthening digital tracking systems, improving identification and follow-up of zero-dose and under-immunized children, enhancing microplanning, expanding outreach services, reinforcing community engagement and improving vaccine logistics and supervision. Countries are also committed to reviewing policies, updating operational guidance and increasing the use of data for routine programme improvement.

The exchange reinforced a shared regional message: catch-up vaccination is most effective when it is embedded within routine immunization systems. Sustainable progress requires active identification of missed children, continuous follow-up, strong community engagement, reliable vaccine supply chains and effective use of data to drive action. By adapting successful practices to their own contexts, participating countries aim to accelerate progress toward reducing zero-dose children and ensuring that no child is left behind.