Vaccines have saved over 150 million lives in the past 50 years, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). During World Immunization Week, WHO and partners are emphasizing the lifelong benefits of vaccinations against diseases like measles, diphtheria, polio, and more recent threats such as malaria and RSV.
This year marks the halfway point for Immunization Agenda 2030, a global initiative led by WHO. Despite challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical instability, immunization efforts have averted millions of deaths. However, most targets remain off track due to persistent gaps in coverage and equity.
The UN health agency is calling for stronger national programs, better integration with primary healthcare, and increased prioritization from global health organizations.
An international effort, The Big Catch-Up, launched in 2023, has reached an estimated 18.3 million children under five across 36 countries, providing essential polio vaccines. The initiative is on track to meet its goal of vaccinating at least 21 million children.