Reversing a downward trend, immunization rates are now at their highest ever and vaccine development worldwide is booming, according to a new assessment released today by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and the World Bank.
The State of the world’s vaccines and immunization reports that more infants are being immunized today than ever before – a record 106 million in 2008 – according to new data. At the same time, its authors are calling on donor nations to address a funding gap that leaves millions of children still at risk, particularly in the poorest nations and communities, where preventable diseases take their deadliest toll. (Source: WHO/UNICEF/The World Bank news release)
This is an excellent article and timely too. There is & has been a lot of hype (and even conspiracy theories) lately about the utility/safety of vaccinations especially as relates to the H1N1 vaccine. This article serves as an excellent reminder of the impact immunizations have had globally in disease prevention and certainly makes me appreciate their place as one of the key public health accomplishments of the modern age.
Thanks for posting this link.
Peace,
Jim