The cuts to global health funds are leading to an increase in disease outbreaks that vaccines have almost been eliminated, the UN Health Agency, who warns Thursday.
In the “Meningitis Belt” of Africa, which covers parts of sub -Saharan Africa, vaccination campaigns had successfully eliminated meningitis A. Similarly, improved routine immunization and emergency vaccines reserves drastically reduced yellow fever cases and related deaths.
But this progress is now at risk. “Global health fund cuts have put these profits won strongly,” said Adhanom Ghebreyesus, general director of the World Health Organization.
Rising outbreaks
In 2023, measles cases were estimated at more than 10.3 million, an increase of 20 percent compared to 2022.
Who, the UN Fund, the Children’s Fund, UNICEF and its partners warned in a statement that marked the beginning of the World Week of Immunization that this upward trend is expected to continue in 2025.
The yellow fever is also returning. After years of decline in Africa thanks to better access to the vaccine, 2025 has already seen an increase in shoots throughout the continent. The cases have also been confirmed in the Americas.
Threat of misinformation
Vaccination efforts are increasingly under pressure due to a combination of misinformation, population growth, humanitarian crises and financing cuts.
Earl this month, A WHO review in 108 countries discovered that almost half is experiencing moderate to severe interruptions to vaccination campaignsRoutine immunizations and supply chains due to the fall in the support of donors.
“The global financing crisis severely limits our ability to vaccinate more than 15 million vulnerable children In fragile countries and affected by measles conflicts, ”said Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF.
Vaccines offer high yields
Vaccines save around 4.2 million lives each year, protecting against 14 different diseases. Almost half of those lives are saved in Africa.
Despite this, the fall in investment now runs the risk of highlighting diseases once they believe they are under control.
Health experts emphasize that immunization is one of the most profitable health interventions. Every $ 1 invested in vaccines brings an estimated yield of $ 54 through better health and economic productivity.
UNICEF, who and their partners are asking parents, the public and political leaders to support immunization programs and guarantee long -term investment in vaccines and public health systems.
