Vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives in the last 50 years. But the World Health Organization (WHO) says those hard-won gains are now under threat. The agency warns that deep cuts to global health funding are reversing progress against diseases that were once nearly eradicated.
In sub-Saharan Africa’s “meningitis belt,” vaccines helped eliminate meningitis A. Emergency stockpiles and improved access also reduced yellow fever deaths. But today, rising outbreaks signal danger. According to WHO Director-General Dr.TedrosAdhanomGhebreyesus, “Funding cuts to global health have put these hard-won gains in jeopardy.”
OUTBREAKS RISING AS SUPPORT FALLS
In 2023, global measles cases surged. The number jumped by 20 percent to over 10.3 million. WHO expects this trend to worsen through 2025. Yellow fever is also re-emerging after years of decline. Cases are rising again in Africa and have now appeared in the Americas.
The warning comes at the start of World Immunization Week. WHO, UNICEF, and global health partners are calling attention to the urgent need for sustained vaccine funding. They emphasize that delays or disruptions in vaccine access are already fueling disease outbreaks in vulnerable regions.
THE INVISIBLE THREAT: MISINFORMATION
Vaccination campaigns face new pressures. Misinformation spreads faster than facts. Humanitarian crises are increasing. And funding gaps are growing wider. All of this puts children and entire communities at risk.
A recent WHO survey spanning 108 countries showed that nearly half are seeing moderate to severe disruptions. Routine immunization, vaccine campaigns, and cold chain systems are all suffering due to reduced donor support.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said, “The global funding crisis is severely limiting our ability to vaccinate over 15 million vulnerable children. These children are in fragile and conflict-affected countries. They are at risk of contracting measles.”
VACCINES: A PRICELESS INVESTMENT IN LIFE
Despite the setbacks, health experts remind us that vaccines are one of the most cost-effective health interventions ever developed. Vaccines now save 4.2 million lives every year. Of these, nearly half are in Africa. They protect people from 14 deadly diseases. And the return on investment is massive — every $1 spent on vaccines yields $54 in health and economic benefits.
But those gains are only sustainable if investment continues. Without funding, diseases like measles, yellow fever, and meningitis could return stronger than before. Experts warn that the world cannot afford to become complacent.
CALL TO ACTION: DON’T LET DECADES OF PROGRESS DISAPPEAR
UNICEF, WHO, and their global partners are urging action. They call on governments, parents, and civil society to support immunization efforts. They want long-term commitments to vaccine funding and better protection of public health systems.
The message is simple: Immunization saves lives. It’s cheap, powerful, and essential. But if funding continues to fall, a new wave of preventable disease and death may soon follow.
