World Immunization Day 2024: ‘World Immunization Day’ 2024 is celebrated to highlight how important the vaccine is for a human being. To create awareness for that. Under the theme of vaccines for all, there is vaccine hesitancy that occurs among people. It involves creating awareness about it. ‘World Immunization Day’ is a world health care awareness program. It is celebrated every year on 10 November. Its clear objective is to make people aware about the importance of getting vaccinated from time to time. Also tell how the vaccine protects us from many diseases.
History of World Immunization
World Immunization was first established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2012 as part of the World Vaccine Safety Initiative. Its purpose is to prevent deadly infectious diseases. The aim was to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination in protecting children and reducing health inequalities globally. It was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the launch of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) on 10 November. Which was created by WHO in 1974 to increase access to vaccines in low and middle income countries.
The history of vaccination is linked with some of the most important achievements in global health. Vaccines have helped eliminate or reduce the spread of diseases that once caused widespread suffering and death. These include smallpox and polio, both of which have been eliminated in many parts of the world due to large-scale vaccination efforts.
importance of vaccine
Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective and impactful public health interventions ever developed. It prevents millions of deaths every year from diseases like measles, polio, tetanus, hepatitis B and diphtheria. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. Which provide long-term protection against serious diseases that once devastated populations, especially among children.
In addition to protecting individuals, vaccines contribute to herd immunity, which is a form of indirect protection that occurs when a significant portion of the population is vaccinated. This helps prevent the spread of diseases, thus protecting vulnerable groups who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
The effect of vaccination is seen not only in disease prevention but also in the economic benefits it provides. Vaccination reduces healthcare costs by preventing the need for expensive treatment and hospitalization due to preventable diseases. Furthermore, it allows for healthier and more productive populations, benefiting societies in both developed and developing regions.
World Immunization Day 2024: Focus on key challenges and solutions
As we celebrate World Immunization Day 2024, the theme of this year’s event emphasizes “Vaccines for All: Protecting communities and building health equity.” The focus is on ensuring that vaccines are available, accessible and acceptable to everyone, everywhere, especially in underserved and remote areas. Despite the incredible progress made in global vaccination campaigns, challenges remain in achieving universal vaccination coverage. There are some key areas of focus for this year’s event.
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Expanding access to vaccination
In many parts of the world, especially in low-income and conflict-affected areas, access to vaccines remains a major barrier. Health systems are often underfunded, and logistical challenges make vaccine delivery difficult. This year, efforts are being made to improve vaccine access to reach marginalized populations by investing in infrastructure, supply chains and health workforce training.
Addressing vaccination hesitancy
Vaccination hesitancy: Reluctance to get vaccinated or refusing to get vaccinated despite the availability of vaccines. has become a growing concern, especially in high-income countries. Misinformation, fear and mistrust can undermine public health efforts and slow progress toward global vaccination goals. World Immunization Day aims to combat vaccine misinformation through education, outreach and community engagement to restore trust in vaccines.
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