Global Immunization insights_April2024

Global Immunization Newsletter - April 2024

Message by the Director of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, WHO

In a groundbreaking study published by The Lancet and led by WHO, it has been quantified that global immunization efforts have saved an astonishing 154 million lives over the past five decades.

Vaccination against 14 diseases over the past five decades—ranging from diphtheria to yellow fever—has played a pivotal role in slashing infant mortality rates by 40 percent on a global scale. Remarkably, in the African Region, this impact has been even more profound, with a reduction exceeding 50 percent.

Upcoming meetings

16-18 May: EMRO CSO meeting for MICs and new vaccine intros, Cairo , Egypt
22- 24 May: 155th Session of the WHO Executive Board, Geneva
28 May: Celebrating 50 Years of Immunization Progress: Honoring Achievements, Embracing Innovation, and Envisioning the Future, Geneva - WHO DG Hosted event (invitation only)
27 May -1 June : Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly, Geneva

Stories

Global immunization efforts have saved 154 million lives over the past 50 years

A major landmark study found that for each life saved through immunization, an average of 66 years of full health were gained – with a total of 10.2 billion full health years gained over the five decades.

In world first, Nigeria introduces new 5-in-1 vaccine against meningitis

The revolutionary new vaccine offers a powerful shield against the five major strains of the meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, Y and X) in a single shot.

Strategic outreach in Serbia: reaching children with measles vaccine

A catch-up measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination campaign this year reached almost half of the missed-dose children in 12 selected municipalities in the country.

Vaccination Week 2024 in the Americas

For this year’s campaign, 44 countries have reached more than 83.5 million people with almost 156 million doses of the vaccines that make up national immunization programs.

Enhancing capacity for malaria vaccine introduction and rollout in Africa

More than 20 countries in Africa are to introduce the vaccine into routine immunization. The scale-up of malaria vaccines in Africa will increase access to malaria prevention and save tens of thousands of young lives every year.

Decreasing zero-dose children threefold amidst pandemic in Myanmar

The national Essential Programme on Immunization, with technical assistance from WHO Myanmar, implemented a precise, risk-prioritized data triangulation strategy.

Kosovo introduces HPV vaccine in immunization schedule

Pristina health authorities launched a vaccination campaign at schools aiming to reach over 12 000 girls in 2024; 116 doses have already been administered.

WHO commends Iraq’s world-first in polio transition

Iraq has achieved the polio transition process in full. It is the first country among the polio transition priority countries to achieve this remarkable feat.

New resources

Past meetings

Announcements

Support for provision of serological and molecular External Quality Assurance program for Rotavirus

Call for experts to serve on the SAGE Working Group on typhoid vaccines

Call for Experts: Technical Advisory Group on Market Access for Vaccines (TAG-MVAC)

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