Making every vaccine investment count for children in Lesotho

Every vaccine offered to a child is backed by important decisions. Which diseases pose the greatest risk? Which vaccines can deliver the greatest public health impact? What will it take to ensure they remain available to every child who needs them? These are some of the questions being considered as Lesotho reviews its current and future vaccine investments.

From 18 to 21 August 2026, the Ministry of Health convened government officials, technical experts and immunization partners for the country’s Vaccine Prioritization and Optimization workshop. Supported by the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group, WHO and UNICEF, the process will help guide decisions on the vaccines included in Lesotho’s national immunization programme.

Immunization is one of the most effective ways to protect children from preventable illness. However, as new vaccines become available, disease patterns change and health resources come under increasing pressure, countries must carefully determine where their investments can achieve the greatest public health impact. For Lesotho, this means looking closely at the protection already provided through the national immunization programme while also considering future needs.

Participants reviewed national, regional and global evidence, including the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccine safety and effectiveness, affordability, availability and the capacity of the health system to deliver vaccines sustainably. The exercise is not only about introducing new vaccines. It also provides an opportunity to consider whether the existing immunization schedule can be strengthened or adjusted to serve children and communities more effectively. At the centre of the process is a simple goal: ensuring that available resources are directed towards vaccine investments that can provide the greatest and most lasting benefit.

The National Immunization Technical Advisory Group has an important role in this work. By independently reviewing scientific and country-specific evidence, the group provides recommendations that help the Ministry of Health make informed decisions on national vaccine policy. This strengthens country ownership and helps ensure that Lesotho’s immunization priorities respond to the country’s disease burden, health-system capacity and the needs of its population.

The review comes as countries begin implementing Gavi 6.0, the Vaccine Alliance’s strategy for 2026–2030. The strategy calls for stronger national leadership, greater equity and more sustainable approaches to financing and delivering immunization services. For Lesotho, the Vaccine Prioritization and Optimization process will help translate these commitments into practical national choices, with its findings expected to inform future vaccine policy, programme planning and funding decisions.

The August workshop marks the beginning of a wider process, with further consultation and analysis expected before recommendations are finalized and translated into policy. By grounding these decisions in evidence, Lesotho is working to protect the progress already achieved through immunization while preparing for future public health challenges.

Ultimately, vaccine prioritization is about more than selecting vaccines or reviewing schedules. It is about making informed decisions today so that children across Lesotho can continue to receive essential protection from vaccine-preventable diseases, now and for generations to come.