Long-term disabilities from diseases such as diphtheria, measles, polio, tetanus, meningitis and pertussis caused millions of children to die or suffer long-term disabilities. The numbers of children who have suffered because of these diseases has drastically been reduced after the introduction of vaccines. Over the past three decades the increase in vaccination coverage has helped significantly reduce the amount of children at risk for these dangerous, easily spreadable diseases and more. Despite the efforts that have been made to pull communities out of poverty, we still lack the reach necessary to provide immunization to certain communities.
Immunization also brings about new challenges; the spread of misinformation by anti-vaccine groups has created much push back against groups trying to further help communities by immunizing them. This misinformation leads to confusion and fear, thus undermining progress in reaching these kids.
Call to Action
Countries need to improve their communication on the subject of vaccines, and the speed at which it responds to threats of public trust. Media as we know it has changed in the past few decades, and these channels now are exploited by anti-vaccine groups who sow distrust in the hearts of parents who are trying to decide on how to best keep their children safe and healthy. To counter this UNICEF, WHO, and Centers for Disease Control should work within these media platforms in order to push back against the anti-vaccine initiatives.
Too many people around the world today are not able to access life-saving vaccines, whether due to insecurity or inadequate, unavailable or unaffordable health services. Its a shame that those with access to these services must be misled with misinformation.
Comments