In the last 50 years alone, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that vaccines have saved 154 million lives and improved infant survival by 40%. More recent vaccines against diseases like malaria, mpox and meningitis are proof of huge advancements around the world in developing, delivering and understanding immunisation strategies.
But there is still more to do. Millions of people around the world, particularly children, suffer preventable illnesses every year as a result of inaccessible vaccines. This year’s Immunisation Week theme, “Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible”, aims to raise awareness of the long-term benefits of vaccines by encouraging families and communities to get vaccinated on time, every time.
The WHO has published some helpful resources to help health workers connect with their patients, drive vaccine uptake and improve service delivery for successful community vaccination. Take a look here, or learn more about other ways to get involved with World Immunisation Week at the WHO website.
