New Delhi, India — In December 2025, a dynamic group of experts, professionals, thought leaders and programme personnel from WHO and UNICEF across South-Asia and South-East Asia devoted two days between 8-9 December 2025, to collaborate and exchange insights in a consultation meeting to develop practical guidelines on Immunization Waste Management (IWM).
Annually, routine immunization efforts across the SE Asia Region encompass approximately 37 million children receiving at least ten vaccines. Additionally, about 40 million pregnant women receive one or two doses of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine, with further vaccinations taking place during supplementary immunization activities. This leads to the generation of an estimated 100 million liters of immunization waste each year. Notably, 80% of immunization sessions are conducted as outreach, presenting significant challenges for effective waste management. With rising coverage and the introduction of new vaccines, both the volume and complexity of immunization waste have increased.
This consultation was organized jointly by WHO Regional office for South-East Asia (SEARO) and Regional office for South Asia (ROSA) and East Asia Pacific Region (EAPRO) in response to the current challenges countries are facing to manage immunization waste in greener and more sustainable method aligning to the global conventions. The theme of the consultation was “Protect Health, Preserve Earth: Manage Immunization Waste Responsibly!”
Attendees included subject matter experts from India, Nepal, and Thailand; program specialists from all three organizational levels of WHO and UNICEF—including representatives from WHO and UNICEF Headquarters, WHO SEARO, UNICEF ROSA/EAPRO—as well as delegates from the WHO and UNICEF country offices of Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Timor-Leste. Their contributions were instrumental in ensuring the development of user-friendly and practical guidelines for IWM.
The proposed Regional Practical Guide on Immunization Waste Management is anticipated to become a comprehensive resource for policymakers, program managers, and frontline immunization workers across South-East Asia. It aims to promote best practices for the safe, effective, and environmentally sound management of immunization waste, addressing the distinct needs and realities of SEAR countries.
Figure 1: Participants of the consultation meeting posing for a group photograph.
Photo Credit: SEARO / IVD
Figure 2: Expert Consultation meeting on development of immunization waste management practical guide with participants in action providing expert input.
Photo Credit: SEARO / IVD
Figure 3: Opening session off the Expert Consultation meeting on development of immunization waste management practical guide
Photo Credit: SEARO / IVD