World Immunization Week 2016: Close the immunization gap
Immunization game-changers should be the norm worldwide
21 April 2016 — Immunization averts 2 to 3 million deaths annually. However, an additional 1.5 million deaths could be avoided, if global vaccination coverage improves. Today, nearly 1 in 5 children worldwide are still missing routine immunizations for preventable diseases. During World Immunization Week 2016, WHO highlights recent gains in immunization coverage, and outlines further steps needed to meet global vaccination targets by 2020.
Immunization for all throughout life
April 2016 — World Immunization Week 2016 is coming soon, 24-30 April, and will focus on “Closing the immunization gap – Immunization for all throughout life”. WHO has designed a campaign toolkit for partners and members of the global immunization community to use to help raise awareness locally. The toolkit contains banners, posters, key messages, a visual identity and campaign guidelines.
Austria: Measles in the spotlight
7 April 2016 — In Austria, where elimination of measles is tantalizingly close, a creative and innovative campaign seeks to encourage vaccination among unimmunized adults.
World Immunization Week in Nepal: An anniversary of remembrance
April 2016 — In April 2015, a major earthquake struck Nepal. A year later, people in one village recall their struggles, in its aftermath, to keep their children safe through immunization.
Infographic: Six goals of the Global vaccine action plan
1. Immunization against diphtheria, tetanus
2. Measles mortality reduction
3. Rubella elimination
4. Maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination
5. Polio eradication
6. Use of new or underutilized vaccines
fact buffet
115 millionIn 2014, 115 million infants worldwide received diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine.
85%In 2014, about 85% of the world’s children received one dose of measles vaccine by their first birthday.
2 countriesToday, only 2 countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan) remain polio-endemic, down from more than 125 in 1988.
Campaign materials
Video
Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective means to help children grow into healthy adults. We have made enormous progress, but 1 in 5 children is still not being reached.
Quiz
Technical information
- WHO’s work on immunization, vaccines and biologicals
- Global vaccine action plan 2011-2020
- Assessment report of the Global vaccine action plan 2015 by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization
- Global vaccine action plan: Monitoring, evaluation and accountability
- More documentation on immunization
Switch in oral polio vaccines
General information
Stories from countries
Immunization Week in Regions
- Africa
Close the Immunization Gap. Stay polio free! - Americas
Go for the gold! Get Vaccinated - Europe
Prevent Protect Immunize - Europe is closer than ever to eliminating measles and rubella – remaining countries urged to “catch up”
News release
Immunization Week archives