Strategic Advisory Group of Experts

Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (also known as SAGE) is a group of professionals who provide guidance and advice on the development and implementation of vaccination strategies. SAGE is primarily associated with the World Health Organization (WHO), where it serves as the principal advisory group on vaccines and immunization.

History

The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts was established by the World Health Organization in 1999. Its creation was in response to the need for a global body that could provide expert advice on immunization matters, including the development and implementation of vaccination strategies.

Role and Function

The primary role of SAGE is to provide guidance to the World Health Organization on overall global policies and strategies, ranging from vaccines and technology, research and development, to delivery of immunization and its linkages with other health interventions. SAGE is concerned not just with childhood vaccines and immunization, but with all vaccine-preventable diseases.

Membership

SAGE is composed of 15 experts from around the world, serving in a personal capacity and not as representatives of their respective governments or organizations. The members are chosen for their expertise in clinical medicine, epidemiology, immunology, pediatrics, internal medicine, infectious diseases, public health, and the social sciences related to immunization.

Meetings

SAGE typically meets twice a year, with additional meetings convened as needed. The meetings are held at the World Health Organization's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The discussions and recommendations of SAGE meetings are published in the WHO Weekly Epidemiological Record.

Impact

The recommendations of SAGE have a significant impact on global health policies. They guide the work of the World Health Organization and influence the immunization policies of individual countries. SAGE's advice has been instrumental in the global effort to eradicate polio, among other achievements.

See Also

• World Health Organization
• Vaccination
• Immunization
• Public Health

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