According to new research led by Professor Andrew Schettok, vaccination has been instrumental in saving lives over the past 50 years. Approximately 30 children are saved every minute through vaccination, totaling 150 million lives saved.
The study highlights the significant impact of measles vaccination, which alone has saved 94 million lives, accounting for over 60 percent of the total number of lives saved through vaccination.
Vaccination efforts have had a global impact, saving at least 5 million children in each region of the world. Specifically, 50 million lives were saved in Africa and 38 million in Southeast Asia.
Overall, immunization programs have contributed to a decrease in infant mortality rates by more than two-thirds, from 10 percent in 1974 to less than 3 percent today. Vaccination is estimated to have caused at least 40 percent of this decrease.
While vaccination was once rare outside Europe and North America, efforts to improve coverage have been made. Currently, more than 80 percent of babies receive all necessary doses of DTP3 vaccines, and core vaccination rates have significantly increased.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Diseases like tuberculosis, meningitis, whooping cough, measles, tetanus, and hepatitis B still claim lives. Efforts to eradicate polio are close to success, with new vaccines against diseases like malaria offering hope for further progress.
The success of vaccination programs in recent decades should serve as a reminder of the importance of continued investment and coordination to ensure universal access to vaccines. Addressing vaccine hesitancy and promoting the real impact of vaccination on child mortality are essential to further progress in global health.