Plots to global health funding lead to an increase in disease epidemics that vaccines had almost destroyed, the United Nations health agency, which warns Thursday.
In the “meningitis belt” of Africa, which covers certain parts of sub -Saharan Africa, vaccination campaigns have managed to eliminate meningitis A. Likewise, improving routine immunization and emergency vaccine stocks considerably reduces cases of yellow fever and related deaths.
But these progress is now at risk. “World health financing reductions have put these gains in danger in danger,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Managing Director of the World Health Organization.
Increased epidemics
In 2023, measles cases were estimated at more than 10.3 million, an increase of 20% compared to 2022.
UNI, United Nations Fund for children in UNICEF and their partners have warned in a statement marking the start of World Immunization Week that this upward trend should continue until 2025.
Yellow fever also makes a return. After years of decreasing cases in Africa thanks to the improvement of access to vaccines, 2025 has already had an increase in epidemics across the continent. Cases have also been confirmed in the Americas.
Threat of disinformation
Vaccination efforts are increasingly under pressure due to a combination of disinformation, population growth, humanitarian crises and funding reductions.
Earlier this month, A WHO examination in 108 countries found that almost half experienced moderate to severe disturbances in vaccination campaignsRoutine immunizations and supply chains due to the drop in the support of donors.
“”The global funding crisis seriously limits our ability to vaccinate more than 15 million vulnerable children In fragile countries affected by conflicts against measles, “said Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF.
Vaccines offer high yields
Vaccines save around 4.2 million lives each year, protecting from 14 different diseases. Almost half of these lives are saved in Africa.
Despite this, the drop in investments is now risking the re -emergence of diseases that were once under control.
Health experts point out that vaccination is one of the most profitable health interventions. Each $ 1 invested in vaccines provides an estimated performance of $ 54 thanks to better health and better economic productivity.
UNICEF, which and their partners call parents, the public and political leaders to support vaccination programs and to ensure long -term investments in vaccines and public health systems.
