Seventh Meeting of the European Technical Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (ETAGE)

The seventh meeting of the European Technical Advisory Group of Expert Group of Experts on Immunization (ETAGE) was held at the WHO Regional Office for Europe in Copenhagen on 29–30 August
2007. Members of the Vaccine-preventable Diseases and Immunization (VPI) programme reported on progress made on previous ETAGE recommendations, such as the introduction of new vaccines, and on milestones planned for 2008–2009. ETAGE especially encouraged VPI to maintain its strong efforts in the areas of maintaining the “polio-free” status of the European Region.

ETAGE congratulated the VPI programme and Member States on progress made towards achieving the regional goal of eliminating measles and rubella by 2010, as well as other regional immunization targets.

Members of ETAGE were also interested in the VPI financial and human resources profile as required to meet regional mandates, and it requests an overview for discussion at the next meeting. Moreover, ETAGE encouraged VPI to raise the visibility of its programme by stepping up communication with Member States and donors about VPI progress and achievements in the Region during the past five years.