Vaccines have saved around 150 million lives over the past 50 years, but their progress is now under threat.
Global health funding cuts have led to an increase in the outbreak of diseases that the vaccine has nearly wiped out by the UN health agency, which warned Thursday.
In the African “meningitis belt” that spans parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the vaccination campaign eliminated meningitis. Similarly, routine vaccinations and emergency vaccine stockpiles have significantly reduced cases of yellow fever and associated deaths.
However, this advancement is currently at risk. “Funding cuts to global health have put these hardships and risks at risk,” warned Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director of the World Health Organization.
Rising outbreaks
In 2023, measles cases were estimated to be over 10.3 million cases – an increase of 20% compared to 2022.
WHO, UN Children’s Fund Unicef and its partners warned in a statement indicating the start of Global Vaccination Week that this upward trend is expected to last until 2025.
Yellow fever is also making a comeback. After years of litigation in Africa declined thanks to improved vaccine access, 2025 has already seen an increase occurring across the continent. Additionally, cases have been confirmed in the United States.
The threat of misinformation
Vaccination efforts are under increasing pressure due to a combination of misinformation, population growth, a humanitarian crisis and reduced funding.
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Earlier this month, WHO reviews in 108 countries found that almost half of them experienced moderate to severe disruption in the supply chain due to lower vaccination campaigns, routine vaccinations, and lower donor support.
UNICEF Executive Director Katherine Russell said:
Vaccines offer high returns
The vaccine saves around 4.2 million lives each year and protects against 14 different diseases. Almost half of those lives are saved in Africa.
Nevertheless, the decline in investment is now at risk for the reappearance of diseases that were once considered controlled.
Health experts emphasize that vaccinations are one of the most cost-effective health interventions. For each dollar invested in the vaccine, increased health and economic productivity will result in an estimated $54 in revenue.
UNICEF, WHO and its partners are calling on parents, the public and political leaders to support vaccination programs and to ensure long-term investment in vaccines and the public health system.
