WHO, AKU host global workshop to boost vaccine uptake in low-, middle-income countries

WHO and AKU collaborate to strengthen vaccine uptake in low- and middle-income countries

GENEVA: The annual learning workshop, organized by the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research at WHO headquarters in Geneva in collaboration with Aga Khan University’s (AKU) Department of Community Health Sciences, brought together global researchers in Karachi to address one of the most pressing public health challenges — improving vaccine uptake in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Participants from Ethiopia, Indonesia, India, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Pakistan joined the workshop, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in tackling vaccine hesitancy, accessibility issues, and health system gaps.

Welcoming the delegates, AKU President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin reaffirmed the university’s strong commitment to research-driven solutions, stating:

“Stronger research today means healthier communities tomorrow.”

Why this workshop matters

Vaccination remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions, yet millions in LMICs continue to face barriers to access. The workshop provided a platform for knowledge sharing, practical training, and evidence-based strategies to address these barriers and strengthen immunization systems.

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Global collaboration for stronger health systems

By engaging researchers from diverse regions, the workshop emphasized building capacity, fostering partnerships, and aligning national health systems with global priorities. The WHO-led initiative also reinforced the role of academic institutions like AKU in generating high-quality research to guide policies that improve vaccine confidence and coverage.

The event is expected to pave the way for innovative approaches, stronger regional networks, and sustained improvements in health systems resilience across low- and middle-income countries.

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