The World Health Organization (WHO) says vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives over the past 50 years.
The agency made this known as World Immunisation Week begins, running from April 24 to April 30.
WHO said vaccines protect people from deadly diseases such as measles, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, and rotavirus.
This year, WHO and its partners are highlighting the importance of vaccines at every stage of life.
They also pointed to major scientific breakthroughs in vaccine development.
These include vaccines for malaria, HPV, cholera, dengue, meningitis, RSV, Ebola, and mpox.
The campaign comes at the midpoint of the global Immunisation Agenda 2030.
This programme aims to ensure that everyone benefits from life-saving vaccines.
WHO said the plan focuses on improving access, equity, and long-term protection.
A new report shows that immunisation efforts over the past five years have prevented millions of deaths.
However, many targets remain off track.
The report cited gaps in routine coverage, unequal access, and weak outbreak prevention systems.
It also highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, climate change, and funding shortages.
Call for Stronger Health Systems
WHO has called for renewed global commitment to immunisation.
It urged countries to build stronger national programmes.
The agency also stressed the need to link vaccination efforts with primary healthcare.
‘Big Catch-Up’ Reaches Millions
WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi launched “The Big Catch-up” to recover lost vaccination coverage.
Since 2023, the programme has reached about 18.3 million children across 36 countries.
The campaign also delivered 23 million doses of inactivated polio vaccine to vulnerable children.
Officials expect the initiative to meet its target of vaccinating at least 21 million children.
Vaccines Proven Safe and Effective
WHO officials continue to reassure the public about vaccine safety.
Walter Mulombo said vaccines go through strict testing before approval.
He noted that WHO reviews safety and effectiveness through a rigorous process.
Global Health Priority
WHO says vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in modern medicine.
The agency urged governments, partners, and communities to prioritise immunisation.
It added that stronger efforts will help prevent future outbreaks and save more lives.
