IFifty years ago, the Essential Immunization Program was launched, marking the start of a fierce fight against vaccine-preventable diseases. Since then, the progress made has been impressive. They led to the eradication of smallpox, the virtual eradication of poliomyelitis and contributed to a spectacular reduction of more than 70% in infant mortality.
According to the estimate of 1er January 2024 from WHO, one hundred and thirty million people – but probably many more – survived thanks to vaccination. Vaccines alone have increased infant survival by 30%. It is one of the greatest achievements of humanity.
In 21 countries by 2025, 86 million girls will be protected thanks to to the papillomavirus vaccineand the advent of malaria vaccine represents a historic step in the fight against this disease which kills nearly half a million children each year. In just five decades, we have gone from a world where every parent feared the loss of at least one child to a world where every child has a chance at life.
The dangers of declining vaccination coverage
Recognized as one of the most effective and inexpensive public health interventions, vaccination prevents between 3.5 and 5 million deaths per year. By preventing infections, it also allows individuals and families to reduce their healthcare costs and contributes to preserving global health security. The 2020s, however, are marked by a serious slowdown in progress in vaccination.
In certain regions, we are even seeing real declines in vaccination coverage. These declines are mainly attributable to the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted health services in the majority of countries, but also to the intensification of conflicts and the economic slowdown.
We are already seeing the consequences: resurgences of once-controlled epidemics such as measles and polio; diseases that could have been avoided and which once again threaten the lives of children. If this trend persists, the damage will be measured in human lives, thus compromising one of the major successes of recent decades.
A need for political support from all governments
The year 2024 is of capital importance for vaccination, because the replenishment of the GAVI fund, the Vaccine Alliance, will be at stake. Founded in 2000, GAVI aims to reduce inequalities in access to vaccines. It mobilizes resources and encourages manufacturers to lower their prices for the lowest income countries, in exchange for significant, predictable and long-term demand from these countries.
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