Immunization

Vaccines are powerful tools for saving lives, stopping the spread of infectious diseases, and helping communities thrive. When individuals are fully protected from the threat of vaccine-preventable diseases, they can stay in school, care for their families, and contribute to the economic growth of their countries. Yet, to ultimately support long lives well-lived, we must go from vaccines to vaccination.

From emperors in ancient Rome to toddlers in sub-Saharan Africa today, people have been dying from malaria for thousands of years. Over the last century, innovative technologies and scientific breakthroughs have supported more than 100 countries, including the United States, to successfully eliminate malaria from within their borders. Yet for more than half the world, malaria remains a leading cause of death and hospitalizations, particularly for young children and pregnant women.

Every year, 19 million infants worldwide are not reached with basic vaccinations. Vaccines save lives. Immunization averts 2 to 3 million deaths annually, and is one of the most cost-effective interventions to stop the spread of preventable infectious diseases. Take a look back and learn from our 'Vaccine Champions' around the world. 

Abdi Kasige Simba, a traditional healer in the Iringa region of Tanzania, understands COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. “For some, to be vaccinated is contrary to our morals and culture,” he said. Even he needed some convincing. But once he experienced no negative side effects after receiving his own vaccination, Abdi joined a diverse set of community leaders in the promotion of COVID-19 vaccinations to Tanzanians.

As the leading infectious killer of children under five years old, pneumonia causes an estimated 800,000 deaths each year, with the majority in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Yet most pneumonia-related deaths are preventable through high-impact interventions and practices.

Immunizations not only save lives, but they enable children, women, and families to thrive. When individuals are fully protected from the threat of vaccine preventable diseases, they can stay in school, care for and support their families, and contribute to the economic growth of their communities and countries.