Overview

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) set out to engage policymakers on the importance of immunisation for people with non-communicable diseases. They approached HPP to develop resources that would support them in this work. The narrative and infographics we created presented a strong, evidence-based case for change that resonated with policymakers, and recommended policy changes which would have the greatest impact.

Our collaboration with HPP helped reframe immunisation from protection to prevention, placing it firmly within broader NCD and healthy ageing strategies. By combining robust evidence with a clear policy narrative, this work supported more integrated and forward-looking approaches to prevention.

Director, Vaccines Policy, IFPMA

The challenge

Respiratory infections are a major health threat to people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). They are more susceptible to severe respiratory illnesses than people without NCDs and more likely to require treatment in hospital. Respiratory infections increase the risk of stroke or heart attack in this group and can even result in death.

Preventing respiratory infections in people with NCDs through well-planned and widely available immunisation programmes has wide-ranging benefits. However, immunisation in this group is still too low.

What we achieved

We engaged with IFPMA, its member organisations and experts from a range of NCDs to develop a framework for action in improving immunisation uptake for people with NCDs. The framework was incorporated into a ‘first of its kind’ policy narrative, which combined insight, evidence and data to make a compelling case for the importance of immunisation in this group.
We also worked closely with the experts to develop a set of clear and actionable recommendations for policy- and decision-makers, to support them in improving immunisation uptake among people with NCDs in their countries.
Four disease-specific infographics were created to support stakeholders in targeted advocacy efforts.
The communications, advocacy and policy engagement around the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on NCDs and mental health in 2025 helped to ensure that the importance of securing access to vaccines for people with NCDs was included in the final declaration. This provides a highly credible basis on which future policy engagement activities can build.
The project resources were used by IFPMA members in their own policy engagement activities and shared widely by the project’s stakeholders.