-By ArdorComm News Network
April 30, 2025
During World Immunisation Week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) renewed its commitment to safeguarding children from vaccine-preventable diseases, stressing the transformative power of vaccines in improving health, education, and national development.
In a video message, Saima Wazed, WHO South-East Asia Regional Director, emphasized that immunisation is one of the most effective public health measures. “Vaccines are safe, save lives, and immunisation for all is essential,” she said, reiterating this year’s theme: “Immunisation for all is humanly possible.”
Wazed noted that over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 154 million lives globally—equivalent to six lives every minute. The South-East Asia Region alone has accounted for 38 million of these lives, showcasing the region’s proactive stance on immunisation.
She highlighted major achievements, including the sustained elimination of wild poliovirus and maternal and neonatal tetanus, as well as significant progress against measles, rubella, and hepatitis B. “Our region vaccinates over 40 million pregnant women and 37 million newborns annually and supplies 46% of the global vaccine demand,” she added.
However, Wazed acknowledged ongoing challenges. “Despite our progress, more than 2 million children remain completely unvaccinated. The risk of outbreaks continues to threaten communities,” she warned.
Shrinking global health budgets, she said, are putting pressure on immunisation programmes and outbreak response systems. To counter these threats, Wazed urged renewed investment in routine immunisation, greater innovation, and a united effort to end vaccine hesitancy.
“To protect our progress and reach every child, we must act now,” she urged. “Vaccines represent our greatest achievement—and our children, our greatest treasure.”
Wazed concluded by calling for collective action from governments, health workers, communities, and global partners to ensure no child is left behind.
Source: ANI