By Songoro Mercy Myra
Immunization has been crucial in preventing diseases and saving millions of lives annually.
Diseases such as tetanus, pertussis, influenza, and measles have been significantly reduced due to vaccinations.
As some diseases like polio and diphtheria become less common, the importance of getting vaccinated against emerging diseases becomes more apparent.
Vaccines against diseases like Ebola, monkeypox, yellow fever, and cholera play a vital role in preventing their spread.
The recent approval of the malaria vaccine, Mosquirix, by the World Health Organization (WHO) in July 2022, with a 75 percent efficacy rate, marks a significant milestone in the fight against malaria.
This vaccine targets the infectious stage of the malaria-causing parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, transmitted by female anopheles mosquitoes.
“As a malaria researcher, I used to dream of the day we would have a safe and effective vaccine against malaria. Now we have two,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
WHO is actively working with countries to implement the Immunization Agenda 2030 to ensure universal access to vaccines for better health outcomes.
“We now have vaccines protecting us from more than 20 life-threatening diseases, helping people of all ages live longer, healthier lives,” said WHO.
Vaccines have proven to be effective in protecting against various life-threatening diseases, enabling individuals to lead healthier and longer lives.
By stimulating the immune system, vaccines help the body fight infections more efficiently and develop immunity without causing illness.
Vaccines offer long-lasting protection against serious diseases, making them a crucial aspect of public health initiatives.