Research: In half a century, vaccinations prevented more than 154 million deaths

Over the past fifty years, vaccinations have resulted in more than 154 million fewer deaths worldwide. This mainly concerns children and babies. This is evident from research by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), among others, published in the scientific journal on Wednesday The Lancet appeared.

The measles vaccine has the greatest influence on the figures. More than 94 million deaths have been prevented since a measles shot was administered. Throughout the world, child mortality fell by 42 percent thanks to the WHO vaccination program, which was started half a century ago. The vaccinations also help against medical complications, such as paralysis due to polio.

UNICEF is the largest buyer of vaccines worldwide. The Dutch department of the United Nations-affiliated children’s rights organization responds positively to the figures on the impact of vaccines, but at the same time points to declining confidence in their own country. This is due to “disinformation, declining confidence in expertise and political polarization.” The vaccination rate in the Netherlands has declined significantly in recent years. There was recently an outbreak of measles in Eindhoven. This year, four babies have already died from whooping cough.

Also read
‘Wellness right’, people with fear of injections and religious people: the group of unvaccinated people is becoming increasingly diverse

To share

Email the editor