What an extraordinary two days it has been at the inaugural APIC-ADVA Asia Pacific Summit!
With more than 230 speakers and delegates from over 15 countries, we’ve deeply enjoyed the impactful discussions centered around critical issues of vaccine access, confidence, and equity through this dynamic platform. Each day unfolded with a rich tapestry of insights, generously shared by a diverse array of local, regional, and international experts, all united by a shared mission of safeguarding the world through immunization.
As we confront existing infectious diseases and fortify our defenses for future pandemics, it becomes increasingly apparent that we must forge ahead with resolute multi-sectoral partnerships, continue building advocacy and engagement with the public, while also tackling pressing challenges of vaccine inequity. The pandemic has elevated the importance of vaccines like never before, but significant hurdles persist. We firmly believe that these obstacles can be overcome through sustained and collaborative efforts. Let’s keep this momentum alive as we work towards a healthier and safer world for all.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all our speakers, sponsors, and most importantly, you – our dedicated participants. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Summit next year!
Read the summit summary report here:
Past Announcement
We are pleased to announce the convening of the 1st APIC Summit on Infectious Diseases and Immunization, with a specific focus on vaccine equity and vaccine confidence. The summit will bring together experts and leaders from around the world to address critical issues related to vaccine access, distribution, and acceptance.
Life course immunization is an important strategy for preventing infectious diseases and promoting public health. It involves vaccinating individuals across their lifespan, from infancy through adulthood and into old age. However, many people in the Asia Pacific region do not have access to life course immunization, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
As we continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become clear that immunization is a key tool in mitigating the impact of infectious diseases. However, the distribution of vaccines has been uneven, with many low-income countries facing significant barriers to access. Additionally, vaccine hesitancy and misinformation have posed significant challenges to achieving widespread immunization. In addition to COVID-19, the summit will also cover other infectious diseases such as dengue, HPV, influenza and neglected tropical diseases.
The summit will provide a forum for sharing best practices, research, and innovative solutions to improve life course immunization in the region. We will focus on addressing the challenges of vaccine equity, including ensuring access to vaccines for underserved populations, promoting vaccine acceptance and confidence, and addressing supply chain and distribution challenges.
The summit aims to provide a platform for participants to share their experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions in vaccine distribution, including those that help address inequities in access. It will also explore strategies for increasing vaccine confidence, including evidence-based communication, community engagement, and advocacy efforts. It will also explore strategies for increasing vaccine equity, including partnerships between governments, pharmaceutical companies, and civil society organizations.
We recognize the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy, which is often rooted in misinformation, mistrust, and a lack of understanding of vaccine safety and efficacy. We recognize that addressing vaccine hesitancy requires a multifaceted approach that involves engagement with communities, healthcare providers, and social media platforms. To this end, the summit will focus on the development of effective communication strategies, leveraging social media platforms, and strengthening partnerships between healthcare providers, communities, and public health agencies.
We invite all interested parties to join us for this important event, which will take place from October 31-November 1,2023 in Singapore. Together, we can work towards a future where everyone has access to safe and effective vaccines and where vaccine confidence is high.
More details forthcoming.