Vaccines are one of public health’s safest and most powerful tools, saving 3.5–5 million lives annually from diseases like measles and polio. For children, they are a cornerstone of survival and development.
Immunization has slashed global child deaths by 40% over 50 years, saving an estimated 154 million lives since 1974. It has led to the eradication of smallpox and a 99% reduction in polio cases.
Despite this progress, over 14 million infants miss out on essential vaccines each year. Funding cuts and declining confidence threaten to reverse decades of gains, fueling outbreaks like the recent surge in measles cases in Europe.
Vaccines do more than prevent disease; they are often a child’s first entry into primary health care, connecting families to vital services. UNICEF delivers over 2 billion doses annually, strengthening health systems.
Every $1 invested in immunization yields $54 in return. Vaccines are a proven, safe investment in our collective future. No child should die from a preventable disease.
