World immunization week: A global call to action for health
Dr (Prof) Sadhana Kala is a USA-trained robotic & laparoscopic surgeon, Uppsala University, Sweden, trained fertility specialist, and 'National Icon Endoscopic Surgeon' of India. University topper and winner of several gold and silver medals and Certificates of Honor and the unique 'Distinction' in medicine in medical college, she is the youngest-ever Professor in any medical college anywhere, and the only-ever gynec Hon Consultant to the Army, Navy and Air Force. FORMER: President Family Welfare Foundation of India (now closed) one of the few UN -accredited NGO since 1997; Member of Central Consumer Protection Council, Government of India, the apex national advisory body on consumer affairs; Advisor, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India; Member, Advisory Committee, MTNL (Delhi). Awardee of C L Jhaveri and P N Behl Awards of Indian Medical Association for professional excellence. Chief emeritus and currently Sr Consultant gynecologist and laparoscopic surgeon, Moolchan Medcity and Apollo Cradle Hospitals, New Delhi. She is a published-writer on varied topics. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sadhana.kala.5/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrSadhanaKala She also writes at www.drsadhanakala.com LESS ... MORE
Every year, during the last week of April, the world meets to observe World Immunization Week. This important initiative, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases. With a focus on raising awareness, increasing demand, and ensuring equitable access to immunization, World Immunization Week serves as a critical reminder of the importance of vaccination in safeguarding public health.
The importance of vaccination
Vaccination is one of the most significant public health achievements of our time. Since the development of the first vaccines in the late 18th century, immunization has drastically reduced the incidence of infectious diseases such as measles, polio, and smallpox. According to the WHO, vaccines save an estimated 2 to 3 million lives each year, preventing illnesses that can lead to severe complications and even death.
Vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight off pathogens without causing the disease itself. This process protects the individual who receives the vaccine and contributes to herd immunity, which helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated—such as infants, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of vaccines, misinformation, and vaccine hesitancy remain significant barriers to achieving high immunization coverage. World Immunization Week aims to combat these issues by providing accurate information about vaccines and their benefits.
A historical perspective
World Immunization Week was first observed in 2003 as part of the Global Immunization Vision and Strategy (GIVS). This initiative emphasized the importance of immunization as a key strategy for achieving global health goals. In 2012, the WHO officially designated World Immunization Week as an annual event focusing on raising awareness and promoting vaccination efforts worldwide.
The observance—which falls at the end of April—coincides with the annual celebration of the anniversary of the founding of the WHO on April 7. This strategic alignment highlights the organization's commitment to improving health outcomes through vaccination.
Themes and goals
Each year, World Immunization Week is centered around a specific theme that underscores the importance of immunization. Recent themes have included 'Vaccines Work for All,' 'The Future is in Our Hands,' 'Protecting Health and Saving Lives,' and 'Immunization for All is Humanly Possible.' These themes serve as rallying points for governments, health organizations, and communities to support immunization efforts.
The overarching goals of World Immunization Week are:
Raising Awareness
: Educating the public about the importance of vaccines and dispelling myths surrounding immunization. Increasing Demand
: Encouraging individuals and communities to seek vaccination services and advocate for immunization. Ensuring Access
: Addressing inequities in vaccine distribution, particularly in low—and middle-income countries, will ensure that everyone has access to life-saving vaccines. Strengthening Immunization Programs
: Supporting governments and health organizations in building robust immunization systems that respond effectively to emerging health challenges.
Current challenges in global immunization
Despite the progress made in vaccination efforts, significant challenges remain. The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted routine immunization services worldwide, leading to declining vaccination rates. According to the WHO, millions of children missed out on essential vaccines during the pandemic, increasing the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Additionally, misinformation about vaccines has proliferated, fueled by social media and a lack of trust in health systems.
Vaccine hesitancy—where individuals delay or refuse vaccination despite the availability of vaccines—poses a significant challenge to achieving high immunization coverage.
In many regions, particularly low-income countries, logistical barriers hinder vaccine distribution. These include inadequate healthcare infrastructure, supply chain issues, and limited access to healthcare services, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
The role of healthcare professionals
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in promoting vaccination and addressing vaccine hesitancy. They are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking information about vaccines. By providing clear, evidence-based information and addressing concerns, healthcare providers can help build trust and encourage vaccination.
Training programs that equip healthcare workers with the skills to communicate effectively about vaccines are essential. These programs should focus on understanding patients' concerns, providing accurate information, and fostering a supportive environment for discussions about vaccination.
Community engagement and education
Community engagement is vital for the success of immunization programs. Local organizations, community leaders, and advocacy groups can mobilize resources and educate communities about the importance of vaccination. Engaging with trusted community figures can help dispel myths and build trust in vaccination efforts.
Public education campaigns are also essential for increasing awareness. These campaigns can utilize various media platforms—social media, radio, television, and community events—to reach diverse audiences. By sharing success stories and highlighting the benefits of vaccination, these campaigns can inspire individuals to seek immunization.
The importance of global cooperation
World Immunization Week underscores the need for global cooperation in addressing vaccination challenges. Countries must collaborate to share resources, knowledge, and best practices to improve immunization coverage. International organizations, governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) must collaborate to ensure that vaccines are available and accessible to all populations, particularly in underserved areas.
Initiatives like Gavi and the Vaccine Alliance support immunization efforts in low-income countries. Gavi partners with governments and organizations to provide funding, technical assistance, and resources to strengthen vaccination programs. These partnerships are essential for achieving the global health goals outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.
The path forward
As we observe World Immunization Week, it is crucial to reflect on the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing challenges in immunization. The pandemic highlighted the importance of strong healthcare systems and the need for resilient immunization programs capable of withstanding crises.
Moving forward, it is essential to prioritize investment in immunization infrastructure, including training healthcare workers, improving supply chains, and enhancing data collection systems. By strengthening these systems, countries can ensure that vaccination efforts are sustained, and individuals can access life-saving vaccines.
In addition, fostering a culture of vaccine acceptance is vital. Encouraging open dialogue about vaccines, addressing concerns, and promoting positive narratives about vaccination can help build trust and increase immunization rates.
Conclusion
World Immunization Week is not just a celebration of the incredible achievements made in vaccination; it is a call to action for all of us. As we navigate the complexities of global health, we must recognize that vaccination is a shared responsibility. Protecting our communities through immunization is essential for ensuring a healthier future for everyone.
As we commemorate this week, let us commit to advocating for vaccines, supporting immunization efforts, and working together to overcome the challenges to achieving universal vaccination. Together, we can protect health, save lives, and build a healthier, more equitable world for future generations.
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author's own.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Should Type 5 diabetes be a category at all? Top diabetologists question lack of evidence, data
Top endocrinologists have questioned the way Malnutrition-Related Diabetes Mellitus (MRDM) has been hastily rechristened as Type 5 diabetes by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). In an expert review, Dr Anoop Misra (chairman, Fortis C-DOC Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences), Dr Ambrish Mithal (chairman, Endocrinology and Diabetes at Max Healthcare) and Dr Shashank Joshi (diabetologist, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai) have argued that the new classification runs ahead without robust modern evidence or clearly defined diagnostic criteria. Their critical analysis was published in Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews recently. 'Reclassifying MRDM as Type 5 diabetes is premature and not supported by current evidence,' they wrote. They argue that MRDM, though first recognised in 1985, was declassified in 1999 due to poor evidence. They say the same holds true today as overlapping symptoms continue to be misleading, the body mass index (BMI) criteria are considered outdated and there is not enough data to warrant a separate type of diabetes. 'We still need rigorous research and definitive biomarkers for such a classification. Besides, there has to be a global consensus,' says Dr Misra. Excerpts: Why can't MRDM be classified as Type 5 diabetes? There's no conclusive evidence that MRDM is a distinct disease rather than a variant or complication of existing diabetes types. Only a distinct phenotype (traits which define the 'what' of a disease) with robust data different from established types merits new classification. MRDM overlaps with other types of diabetes — type 1 (due to autoimmune markers in some cases), type 2 (with insulin resistance or secretory defects), and secondary diabetes (when the pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes). There's inadequate evidence. Only a few, small-scale studies, such as the 2022 study by Lontchi-Yimagou, exist. Rest are 25-40 year old data, some of which is mostly clinical. These studies are largely cross-sectional and limited in scope, sample size and generalizability. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and WHO have never formally acknowledged type 3 or type 4 diabetes, making the proposal of a 'type 5' both arbitrary, confusing and unacceptable. What's needed for a classification? A valid classification demands a clearly distinct cause or causes, well-defined diagnostic criteria, international consensus and therapeutic utility. MRDM does not currently satisfy these requirements. Did MRDM ever receive the attention it deserved? The WHO classified it as a separate category in 1985 and it was discussed in international diabetes forums such as the 1976 IDF Congress. However, this attention waned due to the poor quality and limited quantity of research, which was largely descriptive and observational. Eventually, the WHO removed MRDM from its classification in 1999, citing insufficient evidence. In India, MRDM has become increasingly rare. Many experts report not encountering it at all, suggesting its relevance has significantly declined. Should MRDM be treated as a type or a subset of diabetes? MRDM is best viewed not as a separate type of diabetes but as a subset or modified form of existing types, most likely falling under secondary diabetes or as a variant of type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This type is influenced by factors such as chronic undernutrition. Defining it as a distinct 'type' risks oversimplification and could introduce unnecessary confusion in diagnosis and management. What is the classification's impact in India? India historically played a major role in defining and reporting MRDM, contributing to a significant volume of early literature. But MRDM was also reported from many other tropical countries. However, current data reveal a steep decline in the prevalence of undernutrition (proxy by BMI). For instance, thinness among women aged 20–54 dropped from 31.7% in 1999 to 14.2% in 2021. Moreover, many individuals with low BMI in India are constitutionally thin and not necessarily malnourished or unhealthy. Reintroducing MRDM as a major category today risks diverting clinical attention and public health resources away from the pressing and widespread problem of type 2 diabetes, which remains the dominant and surging diabetes burden in India. What more evidence is needed? We need large-scale, prospective cohort studies with long-term follow-up; detailed nutritional, immunological and metabolic profiling; insulin secretion and sensitivity assessments using gold-standard methods; standardized malnutrition definitions; and comprehensive genetic research. Without this evidence base, the proposal to reclassify MRDM is premature, unsubstantiated and unacceptable. How does Type 5 classification hamper treatment protocol? Classifying MRDM as 'Type 5 diabetes' may introduce more confusion than clarity. It suggests a degree of diagnostic and therapeutic precision that does not exist. Moreover, such a label does not provide actionable clinical guidance, as patients show variable insulin needs and mixed autoimmune markers. It could also mislead policymakers and healthcare providers, diverting attention and funding from more prevalent and well-characterized diabetes forms such as type 2.
News18
3 hours ago
- News18
Are You At Risk? Key Breast Cancer Triggers To Know
Last Updated: Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affect women across the globe. Early detection and screening improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, affecting women. It develops when cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably, leading to the formation of tumours. Most breast cancers originate in the milk ducts and may spread to surrounding breast tissue and, eventually, to other parts of the body. When cancer spreads to organs far from its original site, the condition is known as metastasis and is classified as Stage 4 cancer – the most advanced stage, with the lowest survival rate. This makes early detection and screening vital for improving the chances of successful treatment and recovery. With that in mind, let's explore some of the key risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Genetic Factors Certain inherited genetic mutations – most notably in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes – can significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer. As these mutations are passed down through families, individuals with a strong family history of breast cancer are considered more vulnerable to the disease. Genetic testing and counselling can help assess this risk and guide preventive measures. Lifestyle Factors Certain lifestyle factors, either in isolation or in combination, play a major role in increasing the risk of breast cancer. This is particularly true for women who are in their 40s. Obesity, especially for women in the postmenopausal phase, is one of the major lifestyle-related risk factors for breast cancer. Habitual smoking, too, may act towards escalating the chances of developing the disease. Alcohol consumption is another lifestyle-related choice that has been identified as a risk factor for breast cancer. Research suggests that there is a link between a woman's reproductive history and her risk of developing breast cancer. Women who give birth earlier in life and breastfeed their child tend to have lower chances of developing breast cancer. WHO and IARC have stated that breastfeeding has a protective effect against breast cancer. Hormones Early menarche and late menopause are two known risk factors for breast cancer. Women who experience either one or both have higher-than-usual exposure to estrogen. This prolonged exposure may put them at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Sustained hormone replacement therapy (HRT) also increases may serve as a significant risk factor. First Published:
New Indian Express
7 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Electrolyte drinks not ORS substitutes, warn officials
COIMBATORE: Officials of the Drug Administration Department and Food Safety Department have instructed pharmacies not to recommend electrolyte drinks, such as ORSL, to patients, instead of ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution). Many pharmacies often recommend electrolyte drinks such as ORSL instead of ORS for rehydration. However, officials said such drinks are not WHO-recommended, contain high levels of sugar and may actually worsen one's health.
