WHO launches guidance on modelling for immunization decision-making

WHO, in partnership with TechNet, organised a one-hour webinar to launch the WHO Guidance for Using Modelling for Immunization Decision-Making, recently published to support evidence-informed policy decisions. The webinar included a short introduction on the importance of the guidance, followed by a panel discussion. 

Phillipp Lambach and So Yoon Sim, from the Department of Immunization, Vaccines, and Biologicals (IVB), explained the disconnection between the global vision and the country vision of modelling. These differ in contexts, resources and approaches. The guidance was created to bridge this gap by bringing complex models closer to real decisions and needs. They briefly cited the three-stage WHO guidance development, which included a needs assessment, the Guidance document, and training and ongoing support. The third stage aims to make the Guidance a live document to be integrated at the country level by arranging training modules, strengthening capacity, collaborating with local institutions and organising a community of practice to ensure the guidance is actively used rather than remaining theoretical.
 

Professor Sheetal Silal, who was acknowledged for her role as one of the lead writers of the guidance, moderated the panel discussion with Dr Adel Salman Alsayyd, Dr Wan Abdul Hannan Wan Ibadullah, and Dr Ole Wichmann. The panellists shared experiences on applying modelling in their respective countries, highlighting its role in informing vaccination strategies and considering factors such as cost-effectiveness. 

They emphasised the importance of using modelling outputs to support discussions with policymakers and to communicate future interventions to the public. The discussion also reflected on the value of the new guidance in helping tailor modelling to country contexts, integrate it into decision-making processes, and expand its use in settings where it remains limited.

Finally, they highlighted the need for local capacity to interpret modelling results, supported by strong collaborations across stakeholders. 

At the end, Sheetal Silal highlighted that modelling can help identify data gaps and that the guidance, while focused on immunisation, can also be applied more broadly to modelling.

If you missed the webinar or would like to watch it again, recordings are available in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic.