Childhood vaccines at all-time high, but not yet equitable access
Wednesday, October 21st, 2009Reversing a downward trend, immunization rates are now at their highest ever and vaccine development worldwide is booming, according to a new assessment released today by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and the World Bank.
The State of the world’s vaccines and immunization reports that more infants are being immunized today than ever before – a record 106 million in 2008 – according to new data. At the same time, its authors are calling on donor nations to address a funding gap that leaves millions of children still at risk, particularly in the poorest nations and communities, where preventable diseases take their deadliest toll. The release of new evidence of success in the overall global immunization effort takes place just as many nations are conducting pandemic influenza A (H1N1) immunization campaigns, scoring under the unparalleled role of vaccines in Preventing communicable diseases and the challenges of reaching the most vulnerable communities.
“The influenza pandemic draws attention to the promise and dynamism of vaccine development today,” said Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General, WHO. “Yet it reminds us once again of the obstacles to bringing the benefits of science to people in the poorest nations. We must overcome the divide that separates rich from poor – between those who get life-saving vaccines, and those who do. ” (more…)