The WHO held a three-day regional workshop on new vaccine introduction prioritization and sequencing, in Cairo, Egypt, from 31 August to 2 September 2025. The workshop brought together representatives from 14 countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to strengthen national capacity for making proactive, evidence-informed decisions on the timing, sequencing and optimization of new vaccine introductions.

The workshop was opened by Dr Benedetta Allegranzi, Director of the Department of Communicable Diseases at the Regional Office, who called for stronger collaboration across countries and partners, stressing that “working together is key to ensuring that every child and every person in the Region benefits from the life-saving power of vaccines.”

Over the three days, participants took part in technical presentations, poster walks, panel discussions and group exercises designed to enhance national decision-making on new vaccine introduction. The first day set the scene with an overview of regional immunization goals and priorities and provided updates from the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on immunization, including guidance on priority diseases and recommended vaccines for the Region.