IT takes it easy and obvious to become accustomed to scientific and social advancements. But sometimes, to celebrate the wonders we saw – to feel authentic adoration, we sometimes need to pause. In all the wars, disasters and crimes of the past half century, we have witnessed nothing but miracles.
In addition to improving clean water, sanitation and nutrition, vaccinations are among the biggest contributors to global health. It is responsible for many of the surprising decline in child mortality rates, which increased by 59% between 1990 and 2022. Mostly infants have saved more than 150 million lives. Since The Vaccination Expansion Program was launched in 1974 by the World Health Organization. Originally designed to protect children from diseases such as natural PO, tuberculosis, polio, and measles, the scheme has since been extended to cover more pathogens. Then, in 2000, the global alliance for vaccines and vaccinations appeared (Gabi), a public-private organization that provides financial and technical support for vaccinations in poor countries and negotiates with manufacturers to reduce costs.
The results are amazing. Prevention is better than treatment, cheaper and easier. It was declared that natural PO was eradicated in 1980. Almost all worlds Now it's polio-free. Many other cases of diseases have been reduced. More can be done: An estimated 5 million children Protected from malaria This is the first time since routine vaccinations began a year ago. And from a scientific perspective, we are entering a golden age of vaccines.
But this is a dangerous moment in other ways. The climate crisis is driving the outbreak of illness. The conflict has dramatically increased the number of unprotected children. Vaccine skepticism has grown. Now, cuts in funding are threatening to turn the clock back. The USAID destruction has hampered delivery and has halted a groundbreaking program to create a new malaria vaccine. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – once argued that “vaccines are not safe and effective,” and tried to convince the US government to withdraw permission for the coronavirus vaccine at the height of the pandemic – as Health Secretary this week It was confirmed.
Currently, one of Gavi's founding donors and one of the countries that gave its core programmes the UK is considering a major cut in its support. This is a serious error. Although some aspects of Gavi's approach have faced wise scrutiny in the past, more than a billion children have been vaccinated, making it cost-effective. Its success is also evident in the number of countries that have graduated from beneficiaries. Some, including Indonesia, are becoming donors in turn. And Gabi's stockpile helps keep people safe even in wealthy countries, ensuring poor countries are healthier and more stable.
For all these reasons, Gavi has long enjoyed bipartisan support in the UK. This has given over £2 billion over the past four years. Now, more than ever, those funds have to be maintained. The world is filled with obviously unruly conflicts and complicated moral dilemmas. There are very few decisions that are really easy for the government. But this is easy. It should surprise us that we can save lives easily. It is self-evident that we must continue to seize the opportunity.
