Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE - PowerPoint Presentation

1. Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) - Scope & Operational modelImmunization, Vaccines & BiologicalsJoachim Hombach

2. SAGE objectives & scope of workObjectiveThe Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization was established in 1999 to provide policy and strategy advice on vaccines and immunization to the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). SAGE is the principal advisory group at WHO for vaccines and immunization.ScopeSAGE advises on policies and strategies related to the prevention and control of all vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) of public health relevance. It covers the entire life-course as an integral component of primary health care as laid out in the Global Vaccine Action Plan / Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030).SAGE’s scope of work addresses priorities at global, regional and country level. SAGE also monitors progress of the implementation of the GVAP / IA2030. SAGE also has an advisory role to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and to Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance.

3. SAGE principal areas of adviceRecommendations for policy on vaccines and on immunization – This consists of synthesis of scientific and technical information with considerations of programme implementability to form recommendations, e.g., for vaccine use as in WHO vaccine position papers.Strategy appraisal – This consists of technical review and appraisal of VPD control or global vaccine and immunization strategies developed by WHO and partners. SAGE will review the evidence base for strategies, targets and objectives; identify gaps or areas for improvement; and determine whether SAGE endorses the strategy.Monitoring and evaluation – This consists of SAGE providing external independent appraisal on progress toward vaccine and immunization goals defined by the global community and to provide advice on ongoing efforts or need for course corrections.Strategic foresight and innovation – Throughout its work, SAGE will identify research needs and areas that require innovation by the global immunization community in order to achieve VPD control targets more effectively.

4. SAGE flow of workPrincipal external advisory group to WHO for vaccines and immunization 15 Members Public call for nominationsMeetings and standard operational proceduresPeriodic declaration of interestsWorking GroupsReport and communicationOverall working processWHOWeeklyEpidemiologicalRecordPosition PapersWHODirector-GeneralSAGERegional TechnicalAdvisory Groups(RITAGs)CountryDecision-Making(NITAGs)WHO SecretariatRelevant existing technical advisory committeesSAGE working groupsBackground paperOther relevant non-immunization-relatedWHO policy recommendation-making bodyOtherWHOImmunizationAdvisoryCommitteesIndustry and other stakeholders

5. WHO Immunization Policy Advisory FrameworkWHO Technical Advisory CommitteesvGlobal policy recommendations and strategiesSupport regional/ national challengesRegional Technical Advisory Groupon ImmunizationStrategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE)on ImmunizationRegional policies and strategiesIdentify and set regional prioritiesMonitor regional progressNational Policies and StrategiesPrioritize problems and define optimal solutions Implement national programme and monitor impactNational Technical Advisory Groupon ImmunizationTechnical analysis and guidanceStandardsGlobal researchVaccine designRegionalGlobalNational

6. SAGE working groupsCurrent working groups:Decade of vaccines (standing)Ebola Human papillomavirusInfluenza Measles and rubella (standing)Meningococcal vaccinationPneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines Polio vaccine (standing)Programme Advisory Group to the Malaria Vaccine Implementation ProgrammeHealth worker vaccination (in preparation)COVID-19 vaccination (in preparation)Hepatitis A vaccination (In preparation)Previous working groups:BCG Cholera Dengue H5N1 influenza vaccine Hepatitis A , Hepatitis B , Hepatitis E Influenza A(H1N1) vaccines Influenza vaccines and immunization Japanese Encephalitis Joint Technical Expert Group (JTEG) on Malaria Vaccines Maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination and broader tetanus control Measles Meningococcal vaccines Non-specific effects of vaccines Optimizing the use of conjugate vaccines Pertussis vaccines (March 2013 - August 2015) Pertussis vaccines (July 2009 - October 2010) Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines RabiesRubella vaccines Typhoid feverVaccination in Humanitarian Emergencies Vaccine hesitancy Varicella and herpes zoster vaccines Yellow fever vaccines

7. Policy coherenceSAGE processes co-opt other advisory groups or secretariat expertise for policy development if other interventions or intervention mixes are available (examples malaria vaccination, dengue vaccination, rabies vaccination, HPV vaccination);Systems issuesSAGE guidance is not restricted to vaccine recommendations, but is increasingly concerned with systems issues (vaccination in humanitarian emergencies, health worker vaccination, maternal immunization, life course vaccination); IA 2030 emerging priorities on equity and coverage and “zero dose” children require systems approaches to make progress;Operational approaches to be consideredSharing and coordination of plans of work, secretariat coordination on working methods and evidence reviews, coordination of working groups and advisory groups (ex officio representation)Areas of collaboration/mutual interest

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