Immunization saves 2 to 3 million lives each year. By protecting children against serious diseases, vaccines play a central role in ending preventable child deaths. UNICEF’s immunization programme helps identify children who have been left behind by health systems, and brings them life-saving care.
Vaccines now protect more children than ever before, but in 2019, 13.5 million infants did not receive any vaccines. Low immunization levels among poor and marginalized children compromise gains made in all other areas of maternal and child health. Over 1.5 million people die annually from diseases that can be prevented by vaccination.
>> Learn more about World Immunization Week 2020
The immunization programme in brief:
UNICEF works with partners in governments, NGOs, other UN agencies and the private sector to provide immunization to the children who need it the most.
Vaccinating children in every community: Wherever children are not immunized, their lives and communities are at risk. UNICEF tailors new approaches to vaccinate every child in every community – no matter how remote or challenging.
The cold chain: UNICEF and partners harness solar power, mobile technology and telemetrics to make sure vaccines reach all children without losing their effectiveness from exposure to extreme heat or cold weather conditions.
Vaccine supply: With UNICEF efforts, the price of many essential childhood vaccines has reached all-time lows. This has facilitated the introduction of new vaccines to children living in the poorest countries.
Innovation: Working with private and public partners, UNICEF steers investment towards new vaccines, and diagnostic and health technologies.
Disease eradication and elimination programmes: Thanks to steady progress on expanding vaccination, the world has never been in a better position to eradicate polio. Immunization against measles, rubella and tetanus are bringing the world closer to eliminating these devastating diseases.
