Experts from communities and healthcare professionals to give evidence on childhood vaccinations

On Monday, the House of Lords Childhood Vaccinations Committee will be questioning two panels of witnesses as part of its inquiry into childhood vaccination coverage in England. The first consisting of community advocates and a second panel of healthcare professionals. 

The purpose of the sessions is to hear from witnesses who are working directly with under-vaccinated communities and individuals. 

Giving evidence at 2:15pm will be:  

• Emma Bray, Health Promotion Worker, Friends, Families and Travellers  

• Huda Hajinur, Director, Caafi Health 

Giving evidence at 3:15pm will be: 

• Dr Sakaria Ali, Consultant Paediatrician, University College London Hospital and Founder & Advisory Board Member, British Somali Medical Association  

• Riyadul (Riyad) Karim, Assistant Director, Community Engagement and Health Equity, COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccination Programmes, London Region, NHS England 

Questions the committee is likely to ask the panels include: 

• What are the healthcare needs of the communities the witnesses work with? 

• What are the key drivers of childhood vaccination uptake and attitudes towards childhood vaccination in these communities? 

• How effectively have the NHS and local authorities worked with communities to build confidence in childhood vaccination and support increased uptake? 

• How effectively have the NHS and local authorities worked with communities to make childhood vaccination services more accessible? 

• How effectively do healthcare professionals communicate with parents and guardians in under-vaccinated communities about childhood vaccination? 

The sessions will take place on Monday 13 April 2026 and can be followed live on Parliament TV.