According to a recent report by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, vaccines have been instrumental in saving 154 million lives worldwide since 1974. Notably, children under the age of five account for 95 percent of those lives spared. The data highlights the significant impact of immunization on global health, particularly in reducing infant mortality rates by 40 percent over the past five decades.
The report attributes the prevention of nearly 94 million deaths to measles vaccines alone, while also citing the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and a 99 percent decline in polio cases since 1988. Health experts emphasize that vaccines have made it possible to prevent over 30 diseases, including pneumonia, rotavirus, measles, and HPV, which can help avert up to 90 percent of cervical cancer cases.
However, declining vaccine coverage has raised concerns among health experts, as it has led to outbreaks such as the 2024 measles surge in Europe and Central Asia. It is estimated that over half of unvaccinated children reside in 31 fragile or conflict-hit countries, underscoring the need for continued efforts to improve vaccine access and coverage.
The agencies involved in the report stress that vaccines are safe, with generally mild side effects and rare serious adverse reactions. Beyond the human impact, immunization also yields significant economic benefits, with every US$1 invested generating US$54 in health and economic returns.
The importance of sustained vaccine efforts cannot be overstated, as they play a critical role in preventing diseases and promoting public health. As global health authorities continue to work towards improving vaccine access and coverage, it is essential to recognize the profound impact that immunization has had on saving lives and reducing mortality rates worldwide. The report’s findings serve as a reminder of the need for continued investment in vaccine development, distribution, and education to ensure that the benefits of immunization are equitably accessible to all.
