Every year, from April 24 to 30, the global community unites to observe World Immunization Week—a dedicated time to honor the life-saving power of vaccines and the tireless heroes who champion immunization efforts. This year’s inspiring theme, “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible,” resonates profoundly with Sri Lanka's enduring legacy in immunization, reflecting over a century of proactive health investments and innovative practices.
A Pioneering Spirit: Sri Lanka’s Early Roots in Immunization and Accelerating Progress with the Expanded Programme on Immunization
Sri Lanka's commitment to immunization can be traced back to the late 19th century, when smallpox vaccinations commenced in 1886 under the Vaccination Ordinance. Over the years, the nation progressively expanded its immunization services, introducing critical vaccines such as Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) for tuberculosis in 1949, the Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus (DPT) vaccine in 1961, the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) in 1962, and Tetanus Toxoid for pregnant women in 1969. These foundational initiatives established a robust framework for the country’s comprehensive immunization program.
In 1978, Sri Lanka launched its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), aligning with global efforts spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO). The EPI's mission was to ensure equitable access to vaccines throughout the country. Sri Lanka has successfully achieved over 95% routine vaccine coverage for children. The last confirmed polio case was reported in 1993. The country has maintained high immunization coverage, eliminating life-threatening diseases such as, maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2016, and congenital rubella syndrome in 2020. Most recently, the nation attained control status for hepatitis B in 2024.
These remarkable achievements stem from a community-driven public health infrastructure, supported by efficient cold chain systems, real-time monitoring of adverse events following immunization (AEFIs), and seamless integration with maternal and child health services. The accomplishments are a testament to the dedication of Sri Lanka's healthcare workforce and a strong political commitment to disease prevention.
Underpinned by scientific evidence and local epidemiological data, Sri Lanka is among the leading countries in the region for the introduction of new vaccines. Significant additions to the immunization repertoire include Japanese Encephalitis (1988), Rubella (1996), Measles-Rubella (2001), Hepatitis B (2003), Pentavalent (2008), and HPV (2017). Each introduction followed rigorous evaluations conducted by the Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases (ACCD), ensuring the safety, efficacy, and sustainability of the vaccines.
Collaborative Platforms for Policy Development and Responding to Emerging Challenges
Sri Lanka has implemented several policy initiatives to fortify the National Immunization Programme (NIP). National Immunization Summits, established in 2001, have emerged as vital platforms for multi-stakeholder dialogue, leading to significant policy advancements. These forums ensure that Sri Lanka’s immunization schedule evolves in accordance with evidence-based consensus while proactively addressing future health challenges through a life-course approach. The latest National Immunization Summit convened in March 2025, facilitating discussions on optimal vaccine utilization and outlining future directions. The Ministry of Health (MoH) is developing a vaccine procurement plan for the next five years and will be working on the National Immunization Strategy for 2025–2030..
The WHO continues to provide support to Sri Lanka through periodic EPI reviews, technical expertise for AEFI assessments, and operational assistance during outbreak responses. In alignment with the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), Sri Lanka’s endeavors reflect global aspirations to ensure that no one is left behind.
Despite achieving high immunization coverage, Sri Lanka remains vigilant against potential outbreaks. In response to a resurgence of measles cases in 2023, the Ministry of Health, with support from WHO and UNICEF, launched a two-phase supplementary immunization activity (SIA) in January 2024. This campaign targeted high-risk districts, aiming to mitigate the spread of the disease and safeguard vulnerable populations. Additionally, the MoH has taken steps to strengthen demand for immunization by providing interpersonal communication (IPC) training for frontline health workers, supported by UNICEF and WHO. These efforts have empowered healthcare providers to build trust through respectful, informed conversations with caregivers—helping ensure timely vaccination and greater vaccine confidence across communities.
Globally, immunization has saved an estimated 154 million lives in the last 50 years—over 3 million lives annually. It accounts for 40% of the improvement in infant survival and protects people from more than 30 infectious diseases across the life course. Yet, 14.5 million children worldwide still miss their first vaccines. In a world where no one is safe until everyone is safe, ensuring equitable vaccine access has never been more urgent.
A Model for Global Health
As the world commemorates World Immunization Week 2025 under the theme “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible,” Sri Lanka's journey serves as a powerful testament to the impact of sustained commitment, strategic planning, and community engagement in achieving public health objectives. The nation’s immunization program stands as a model for others, demonstrating that with robust leadership and collaborative efforts, it is indeed possible to protect populations from vaccine-preventable diseases and pave the way for a healthier future for all.