UNITE FOR CHILDREN

Immunization

Introduction

© UNICEF HQ97-0767/Lemoyne

Immunization describes the whole process of delivery of a vaccine and the immunity it generates in an individual and population.  A vaccine is a special form of a disease-causing agent (e.g., virus or bacteria) that has been developed to protect against that disease. 

Edward Jenner demonstrated the value of immunization against smallpox in 1792.  Nearly 200 years later, in 1977, smallpox was eradicated from the world through the widepsread and targeted use of the vaccine.  In 1974, based on the emerging succes of smallpox, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).  Through the 1980s, UNICEF worked with WHO to achieve Universal Childhood Immunization of the six EPI vaccines (BCG, OPV, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and measles).   As a result global immunization coverage increased from less than 20 per cent to nearly 80 per cent by 1990.  Progress stagnated in the 1990s, but coverage has been improving since the formation of the GAVI Alliance in 2000.  Nearly 30 million children are still not fully immunized every year.

The last 20 years have seen an explosion in the number of new vaccines.  By the end of 2006, 164 countries had added hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) and 104 countries had added Haemophilus influenzae  type b (Hib) vaccine is not as good, with only 104 Member States having introduced it by 2006 (compared with  101 in 2005). 

UNICEF uses the opportunity of immunization to deliver other life-saving services, too.  This includes providing regular vitamin A supplements, insecticide-treated mosquito nets to help protect families from malaria, and other locally appropriate interventions.

UNICEF is a global leader in vaccine supply, reaching 40 per cent of the world’s children.  Immunization is a central part of our commitment to protecting the world’s most vulnerable children.


 

 

 
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