Global childhood vaccines at 'all time high'
Global vaccinations for children at 'all time high', international organisations say
Wednesday, 21, Oct 2009 02:30
By Sarah Garrod
Vaccinations around the world are at their highest ever level, with more children than ever before being immunised against preventable diseases.
However, the authors of the State of the World's Vaccines and Immunisation report, out today, have said there is a "funding gap that leaves millions of children still at risk".
The report, released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Unicef and the World Bank, found that 106 million infants were immunised in 2008. The authors of the study say it is particularly important to remember the importance of immunisation just as countries around the world roll out the new swine flu (H1N1) vaccine.
"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 don't."
The agencies say there are still another 24 million children who are at risk, and say an additional US $1 billion a year is needed to ensure vaccinations are given to the 72 poorest countries.
"Worldwide measles deaths fell by 74 per cent between 2000 and 2007, and vaccinations played an important part in that decline," said Ann M Veneman, executive director, Unicef.
"Such progress must inspire new efforts to immunise children around the globe against life-threatening diseases."
There are now 120 vaccines against deadly diseases available. The global vaccine market has tripled over the last eight years.
"We have seen a dramatic turnaround in the availability of vaccines in even the poorest countries," added Graeme Wheeler, managing director, World Bank Group.
"Yet the international community, together with the countries themselves must ensure that new and existing technologies actually reach the most vulnerable populations, especially children."