Role of Immunization in Prevention of Childhood Diseases Globally

The public health success story of the eradication of small pox globally is well known. Unfortunately many of the vaccine preventable diseases are still prevalent and according to a report released by UNF and its partners in promoting immunizations “Millions of children are disabled or killed every decade by preventable diseases like pneumonia, diarrhea, measles and polio. Pneumonia and diarrhea are the two biggest killers of children under five, and account for more than one-third of childhood deaths worldwide. ”It is horrific that in this day and age of globalization and rapid advances in technology a child dies every 20 seconds due to lack of immunization . This presentation will discuss the role immunizations play in primary and secondary prevention of childhood illness. A recently released report in early 2012 highlights that India has been polio free for a year .The success story of polio and the challenges as to why it is still prevalent in some of the world's nations will be discussed. The enormous economic social advantage of successful immunization will be discussed and its link to improving the targets for MDG # 2 Achieve Universal primary education and MDG # 4 Reduce child mortality will be discussed. A snapshot the role of GAVI and its partners in expanding the global immunization programs will be discussed. UNICEF / WHO recommendations on immunizations and gaps in the service delivery will be a part of the presentation.