We often become so accustomed to the leaps we’ve made in science and society that they blend into the background of our everyday lives. But every now and then, it’s worth hitting pause to truly appreciate the remarkable progress we’ve witnessed. Despite the wars, catastrophes, and wrongdoing that have marked the past fifty years, we’ve also experienced incredible breakthroughs.
Vaccination stands out alongside clean water, proper sanitation, and better nutrition as a cornerstone of global health improvement. It’s been pivotal in the dramatic reduction of child mortality, which plummeted by 59% from 1990 to 2022. Since the World Health Organization launched the Expanded Programme on Immunisation in 1974, over 150 million lives, primarily infants, have been saved. Originally, this initiative aimed to shield children from illnesses like smallpox, tuberculosis, polio, and measles, but its reach has since expanded. In 2000, the creation of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi) marked another significant step. This public-private partnership assists in making vaccines financially accessible to poorer nations and works with manufacturers to lower prices.
The outcomes have been extraordinary. Prevention not only beats cure but is also more cost-effective and logistically simpler. Smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980, and most of the world has rid itself of polio. Many other diseases have seen a sharp decline. There’s still more to achieve: routine vaccinations in the past year alone have shielded an estimated 5 million children from malaria. Scientifically, we are stepping into a new era of vaccine innovations.
However, we are also at a precarious juncture. Climate change is triggering new disease outbreaks, conflicts are leaving more children unprotected, and skepticism towards vaccines is on the rise. Funding cuts now threaten to reverse the progress we’ve made. For instance, cutbacks in USAid are disrupting vaccine delivery and stalling pioneering projects for new malaria vaccines. In a surprising development, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of vaccines, was confirmed as the US health secretary.
Meanwhile, the UK, a key supporter and founding donor of Gavi, is contemplating significant reductions in its contributions. This would be a profound mistake. Gavi has efficiently vaccinated over a billion children, with 97 pence of every pound received going directly to vaccine programs. Its effectiveness is also evident from several countries transitioning from aid recipients to self-sufficient supporters, with nations like Indonesia even becoming donors. Gavi’s vaccine reserves benefit wealthier countries as well, ensuring global stability and health.
Despite any critiques Gavi may face, it has consistently garnered support across political lines in the UK, receiving over £2 billion in funding over the past four years. Now more than ever, maintaining this financial backing is crucial. The world is rife with seemingly unsolvable conflicts and ethical quandaries, yet some choices should be clear-cut. The ease with which we can save lives should be astounding, and the imperative to continue doing so is undeniable.
