Vaccines continue to stand as one of humanity’s greatest health achievements, saving millions of lives every year. As the world observes World Immunisation Week (April 24–30), the World Health Organization (WHO) has underscored a powerful statistic: vaccines have saved an estimated 154 million lives over the past 50 years, which translates to nearly six lives saved every minute.
This remarkable milestone reflects decades of global collaboration, scientific innovation, and public health efforts aimed at protecting people, especially children, from life-threatening diseases. However, despite this progress, significant challenges remain, particularly in ensuring equitable access to vaccines.
Vaccines: The Backbone of Public Health
Vaccination has played a central role in reducing mortality and improving life expectancy worldwide. According to WHO-led research, immunisation has been the single greatest contributor to ensuring that children survive beyond infancy and live healthier lives into adulthood.
Of the total lives saved, a staggering 101 million were infants, highlighting how critical vaccines are in protecting the most vulnerable population. Diseases that once caused widespread fear, such as measles, polio, and tetanus, are now either preventable or close to eradication due to sustained immunisation efforts.
Measles Vaccine: The Biggest Lifesaver
Among all vaccines, the measles vaccine has had the most significant impact. It alone accounts for around 60% of the lives saved through immunisation globally.
Over the decades, widespread measles vaccination has dramatically reduced child mortality rates. Yet, despite its proven effectiveness, gaps in coverage still persist. Millions of children continue to miss their measles doses, leaving them vulnerable to outbreaks.
50 Years of Progress: From Limited Access to Global Reach
The journey of global immunisation began in 1974 with the launch of the Expanded Programme on immunisation (EPI). At that time, less than 5% of infants worldwide had access to routine vaccines.
Today, the situation has improved dramatically. Around 84% of infants globally receive three doses of the DTP vaccine, which is a key indicator of immunisation coverage.
Over time, immunisation programmes have expanded from covering just a handful of diseases to protecting against more than a dozen life-threatening infections. These programmes have become a cornerstone of primary healthcare systems worldwide.
Beyond Survival: Adding Healthy Years to Life
Vaccines not only save lives but also improve the quality of life. The study found that for every life saved through immunisation, an average of 66 years of full health is gained. Collectively, this amounts to over 10 billion years of healthy life added globally over the past five decades.
Additionally, vaccination against diseases like polio has transformed millions of lives. It is estimated that over 20 million people are able to walk today who might otherwise have been paralysed due to polio infections.
The Role of Global Partnerships
The success of immunisation programmes is the result of strong global partnerships. Organisations like UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance have played a crucial role in expanding vaccine access.
UNICEF alone procures over 2 billion doses of vaccines annually, helping reach nearly half of the world’s children. Meanwhile, Gavi has supported immunisation efforts in the world’s poorest countries, helping protect over a billion children and significantly reducing childhood mortality.
These collaborations have ensured that vaccines are not only developed but also delivered even to remote and underserved communities.
The Equity Challenge: Millions Still Missing Out
Despite decades of progress, the fight is far from over. WHO estimates that tens of millions of children missed out on one or more vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic years, reversing gains made over time.
Even today, millions of children remain “zero-dose” meaning they have not received a single vaccine. These children often live in:
* Remote rural areas
* Urban slums
* Conflict zones
* Migrant or marginalised communities
Barriers such as lack of healthcare infrastructure, distance, misinformation, and financial constraints continue to limit access to immunisation services.
Why immunisation Gaps Are Dangerous
Gaps in vaccination coverage can have serious consequences. For example, to prevent measles outbreaks, at least 95% coverage with two doses is required. However, current global coverage remains below this threshold 83% for the first dose and 74% for the second dose.
This shortfall has led to a rise in measles outbreaks worldwide, reminding health experts that even small gaps in immunisation can quickly escalate into public health crises.
Vaccines and the Future of Health
Looking ahead, vaccines will continue to play a crucial role in addressing emerging health challenges. New vaccines are being developed for diseases such as malaria, COVID-19, respiratory infections, and even certain cancers.
For instance, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is expected to significantly reduce deaths from cervical cancer as countries expand its coverage.
Vaccines also contribute to tackling antimicrobial resistance by reducing infections and lowering the need for antibiotics.
Expanding immunisation Across the Life Course
Traditionally, immunisation has focused on children. However, experts now emphasise the need for a life-course approach, which includes vaccination for:
* Adolescents (e.g., HPV vaccine)
* Adults (e.g., influenza vaccines)
* Older populations (to prevent age-related infections)
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This shift is essential to address changing demographics and ensure comprehensive health protection for all age groups.
“Humanly Possible”: A Call for Action
To mark World immunisation Week, WHO and its partners have launched the “Humanly Possible” campaign, urging governments and global leaders to continue investing in vaccines and immunisation programmes.
The campaign highlights that the success of the past 50 years is proof of what can be achieved through collective effort—and that even more lives can be saved in the future with sustained commitment.
A Lifesaving Tool That Must Reach Everyone
Vaccines have transformed global health, saving millions of lives and preventing countless diseases. Yet, the mission is not complete. The biggest challenge now is not scientific innovation, but ensuring equitable access so that no child, no matter where they are born, is left behind.
As WHO emphasises, vaccines are not just a medical tool they are a powerful investment in a healthier, safer, and more resilient world.
The message this World immunisation Week is clear: vaccines save lives six every minute and reaching every person is both possible and essential.