[ad_1]
In recent years, there has been a measles flare-up around the world with persistent outbreaks in all parts of the world. In 2019, measles rose to the highest number of new infections in more than two decades. At the same time, poliovirus transmission is expected to increase in Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as in many underimmunized areas of Africa. If polio is not eradicated now, the disease could recur worldwide and cause up to 200,000 new cases per year within 10 years.
Furthermore, Covid-19 has greatly reduced the gaps in vaccination coverage. “We must not allow ourselves to lose ground in the fight against other diseases by fighting a deadly disease,” said Henrietta Fore, Executive Director of UNICEF. “Fighting the global Covid-19 pandemic is vital. But other deadly diseases also threaten the lives of millions of children in some of the poorest regions of the world. This is why we urgently call for global action by heads of state and government, donors and partners. We need additional financial resources to safely resume vaccination campaigns and prioritize vaccination systems that are critical to protect children and prevent epidemics other than Covid-19. “
UNICEF and WHO estimate that $ 400 million for polio and $ 255 million for measles will be needed to fill the immune gaps in non-GAVI Vaccine Alliance countries for certain age groups. “Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on the health system and in particular on vaccination programs around the world,” commented WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “But unlike Covid, we have the tools and the knowledge to stop diseases like polio and measles. What we need are the resources and commitment to put these tools and knowledge into action. If we do that, children’s lives will be saved. “
Source link
