Foreword – Vaccines in action: building more resilient animal health systems through innovation and cooperation

Published on 28/07/2026.

Vaccination has long been recognised as one of the most effective instruments in the Veterinary Services toolbox for preventing disease, protecting livelihoods and supporting safe and sustainable food production. However, the context in which vaccines operate is changing rapidly. Climate change, geopolitical instability, evolving disease patterns, disruptions to global supply chains, growing antimicrobial resistance and declining public confidence in science are creating new challenges for animal health systems worldwide.

The latest issue of WOAH’s Scientific and Technical Review – Vaccines in action – brings together a collection of articles that reflect these evolving realities. The content of this issue illustrates the complexity of vaccination systems, which involve science, policy, economics, behaviour, governance and international cooperation. Ultimately, the issue demonstrates that successful vaccination programmes depend not only on biological efficacy but also on the institutions, infrastructures and relationships that enable vaccines to generate impact.