External Review of Thailand's Expanded Programme on Immunization and Vaccine Preventable Disease Surveillance

New Delhi, India  – September 2025 – The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) of Thailand, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has conducted an extensive external review of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) Surveillance. The review, which took place from 1st to 8th September 2025, aimed to assess the current state of immunization and surveillance programs and provide recommendations for strengthening these critical health services.

The review team, comprising experts from various fields including UNICEF, IFRC, and NCIRS conducted a thorough examination through desk reviews, site visits, interviews with key stakeholders, and an extensive review of program data and documentation. The team visited national programs and seven provinces, including two districts in each province, and observed immunization sessions and interviewed caretakers and mothers in the community.

Key findings from the review highlighted the strengths of Thailand's national immunization program, including its legislative basis, good program coverage, and effective vaccine security management. The program has achieved significant milestones, such as the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus and the sustained polio-free status since 1997.

However, the review also identified several challenges, including low vaccination coverage in some provinces and population groups, the risk of disease importation from neighboring countries, and sub-optimal surveillance leading to late detection of disease threats. The review emphasized the need for improved coordination mechanisms, better understanding of program coverage, and enhanced syndromic surveillance systems.

The review concluded with a set of recommendations to strengthen the immunization and surveillance programs. These include engaging clinical staff in syndromic VPD surveillance, improving coverage in low coverage areas, enhancing inclusive reporting, and optimizing program oversight and management in the context of decentralization.

The final detailed report will be submitted within two months, and the agreed recommendations will be prioritized to develop a joint action plan for implementation.

For more information, please contact:  WHO SEARO Immunization team at searivd@who.int