WHO study estimates immunisation has saved 154 million lives over 50 years
Launching its new initiative 'Humanly Possible' - the WHO is aiming to eradicate diseases that are preventable by receiving a vaccine.
Picture: 123rf.com/Iurii Golub
CAPE TOWN - The World Health Organization (WHO) is taking stock of 50 years of immunisation as it marks the start of World Immunisation Week on Wednesday.
The WHO says thanks to vaccines a child born today is more likely to reach its fifth birthday, than one born 50 years ago.
Launching its new initiative "Humanly Possible" - the WHO is aiming to eradicate diseases that are preventable by receiving a vaccine.
But the world body said it’s concerned about “vax-sliding” due to a of lack of access and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The WHO said six lives had been saved every minute of every day since 1974 thanks to life-saving vaccines.
It says vaccines are one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus says with smallpox completely eradicated - it’s now also on the brink of destroying polio.
“A new study led by WHO estimates that the expanded programme on immunisation has saved 154 million lives since 1974 and an average of more than 8,000 a day.”
But WHO director of immunisations Kate O’brien says progress is slowing down.
“So, the important reason for this backsliding is certainly related to secondary effects of the pandemic, and there’s an incredible effort to try to recover.”
The WHO is also concerned about worldwide measles outbreaks because of anti-vaccination campaigns, and lack of access to vaccines.