Imagine a world where life-saving vaccines leave behind a trail of environmental harm. That's the stark reality of immunization waste, a growing problem in Southeast Asia. But here's the good news: a dedicated group of experts is taking a stand. In December 2025, New Delhi, India, became the epicenter of a crucial conversation as professionals from WHO, UNICEF, and across South and Southeast Asia gathered for a two-day Regional Consultation Meeting. Their mission? To craft a practical guide that transforms how we manage immunization waste, making it safer, more sustainable, and aligned with global environmental goals.
Every year, routine immunization campaigns in Southeast Asia reach approximately 37 million children with at least ten vaccines. Add to that around 40 million pregnant women receiving tetanus toxoid vaccines, plus supplementary immunization drives, and you’re looking at an estimated 100 million liters of waste generated annually. What’s even more eye-opening? 80% of these immunizations happen in outreach settings, where proper waste management is a logistical nightmare. With vaccination coverage expanding and new vaccines being introduced, the volume and complexity of this waste are only increasing.
But here’s where it gets controversial: How do we balance the urgent need for immunizations with the environmental impact of the waste they produce? This consultation, jointly organized by the WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (SEARO), the Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA), and the East Asia Pacific Region (EAPRO), tackled this head-on. Under the powerful theme, “Protect Health, Preserve Earth: Manage Immunization Waste Responsibly!,” participants dove into the challenges countries face in adopting greener, more sustainable waste management practices.
The meeting brought together a diverse group of experts, including subject matter specialists from India, Nepal, and Thailand, program specialists from WHO and UNICEF at all levels—from headquarters to country offices—and delegates from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Timor-Leste. Their collective expertise ensured the guide would be practical, user-friendly, and tailored to the unique needs of Southeast Asian countries.
The resulting Regional Practical Guide on Immunization Waste Management is poised to become an indispensable resource for policymakers, program managers, and frontline health workers. It aims to promote best practices for safe, effective, and environmentally sound waste management, addressing the specific realities of the region.
And this is the part most people miss: Immunization waste isn’t just a logistical issue—it’s a moral one. How we handle it reflects our commitment to both public health and the planet. As we celebrate the progress of immunization programs, let’s also challenge ourselves: Can we do better? Can we ensure that saving lives doesn’t come at the expense of the Earth?
What do you think? Is it possible to achieve a balance between public health and environmental sustainability in immunization programs? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the future of global health and environmental stewardship.
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