Global immunization efforts have been hailed as a major success in a recent study published by The Lancet, revealing that an estimated 154 million lives have been saved over the past 50 years. The study highlights the significant impact of vaccines, especially in reducing infant mortality rates globally.
The majority of lives saved were infants, with vaccines like measles playing a crucial role in preventing deadly diseases. Immunization efforts have led to a 40% reduction in infant deaths worldwide and over 50% in the African Region. The Essential Programme on Immunization (EPI) recommends vaccinating against 13 diseases globally, with UNICEF procuring more than 2 billion doses of vaccines annually to ensure wide coverage.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has also played a key role in protecting children by expanding the impact of immunization and providing vaccines for 20 infectious diseases. Efforts are ongoing to eliminate diseases like cervical cancer through vaccination.
A joint campaign called “Humanly Possible” by WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation aims to advocate, support, and fund vaccines and immunization programs. The focus for the next 50 years of EPI will be on reaching every child and protecting individuals from a range of infectious diseases.
This study, the most comprehensive analysis of the Expanded Programme on Immunization, underscores the profound health benefits of vaccination. For more information, readers can access the full study published by The Lancet and visit the websites of WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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