May 2, 2024 • 20 mins
In this special episode, as we approach the end of World Immunisation Week, we take a special look at how the world is performing in terms of vaccinating its people. This month also marks the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), which was created by the World Health Assembly with the aim of vaccinating all children against diphtheria, measles, pertussis, polio, tetanus, tuberculosis, and smallpox, the only human disease ever eradicated. There’s much to celebrate, although warnings and challenges too that need our prayers and focus for sending intention.
Suggested intention
While there has been significant progress in the 50 years since the UN’s drive toward immunizing all against preventable diseases, with the continued need for all countries of the world to co-operate in funding and supporting vaccination rollout, we suggest holding as our focused intention this week:
We will that all governments will be moved to recognise the priority for enabling and promoting vaccination against preventable diseases for all people who are governed by them.
Please join us in holding this.
Episode Chapter Markers:
00:11 Introduction
08:11 Global impact of vaccination
09:42 Covid-19 vaccination
10:45 Challenges for global vaccination
15:39 World Immunisation Week
Sources referenced for this episode:
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-immunization-week/2024 World Immunization Week website
https://www.gatesfoundation.org/our-work/programs/global-development/immunization
https://www.gavi.org/investing-gavi/funding/donor-profiles/bill-melinda-gates-foundation
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01301-0
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4712379/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8677503/
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/world/covid-vaccinations-tracker.html
https://www.rsph.org.uk/about-us/news/world-immunisation-week-lets-get-talking-about-vaccines.html
https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/immunization/world-immunization-week/index.html
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-immunization-week
https://immunizationdata.who.int/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8482029/
https://scorecard.immunizationagenda2030.org/
Join us in person for intention holding:
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 ~ Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.
Our websites:
www.heartfulimpact.com/ Our show website.
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response. Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to envir
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Music.
(00:11):
A podcast about how we can each bring about real change in the world and getting
practical in making that happen.
And hello, I'm Clive Johnson coming today from Brentwood, just outside London in the UK.
A special welcome if you're listening for the first time and a big thank you to our new subscribers.
Each week we look at one aspect of how we can connect our hearts to offer healing
(00:34):
for others with our collective intention, prayers and meditation and go beyond
the headlines of a a critical happening in our world that needs our attention right now.
In today's episode, we take one of these regular deep dives to more fully understand
and tune in with something many of us may know only a little about and see where
(00:57):
we might hone in with our prayers and intentions.
And as we record, it's April 30th, 2024.
And as we record, we're approaching the end of World Immunization Week,
which is a global initiative marked each year in April to promote the use of
vaccines to protect people of all ages in all member countries of the United
(01:20):
Nations against vaccine-preventable diseases.
And this month marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Expanded Program on Immunization,
EPI for short, which was created by the World Health Assembly with the aim of
vaccinating all children against diphtheria, measles, pertussis, polio,
(01:43):
tetanus, tuberculosis, and smallpox, which is the only human disease ever eradicated.
Given the many millions of lives that can be saved through vaccination for this
special episode, we thought we'd take a look at how the world is performing
in terms of vaccinating its people.
And there's much to celebrate although warnings and challenges too that need
(02:06):
our prayers and focus for sending intention.
So what sort of preventable diseases are we talking about?
Among diseases that vaccines can prevent or at least severely reduce,
the impacts are measles, whooping cough, HPV-related cancers, polio, and diphtheria.
(02:29):
And vaccination is, of course, needed in all countries, not just the developing
world, which we might be inclined to think is less able to afford and implement rollout programs.
For example, in the UK, the number of measles cases is on the rise,
and we've had a few in the US also.
(02:50):
While the COVID pandemic meant that many children around the world are behind
in receiving what would normally be routine vaccinations for diseases like measles and diphtheria,
because of the intention given to COVID vaccines and movement restriction during
periods of lockdown too.
Diseases like polio haven't been fully eradicated, while sudden outbursts of
(03:17):
diphtheria still occur in some regions too.
So how is the world responding? As we said, 50 years ago this month,
the expanded program on immunization was founded by the World Health Assembly.
Today, the program includes universal recommendations to vaccinate against 13
diseases and recommendations for a further 17 diseases in some contexts.
(03:42):
It has extended the reach of immunization to adolescents and adults, as well as to children.
In 2000, Gavi, the vaccine alliance, which includes WHO, UNICEF,
and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as its core founding members,
was created to expand the impact to BPI and help the poorest countries in the
(04:02):
world increase coverage and benefit from life-saving vaccines.
This increased focus in many vulnerable parts of the world has helped to save
more lives and further promote vaccine equity.
Gavi has now helped protect a whole generation of children and now provides
vaccines against 20 infectious diseases,
(04:24):
including the HPV vaccine and vaccines for outbreaks of measles,
cholera, yellow fever, Ebola, and meningitis.
So, how are we doing? Unlike in many areas where global cooperation is needed
with vaccination, the world has responded well in supporting EPI's mission.
(04:46):
When EPI was launched back in 1974, fewer than 5% of infants globally had access
to routine immunization.
Today, day, 84% of infants are protected with three doses of the vaccine against
diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, DTP,
(05:09):
the global marker for immunization coverage.
Thanks to vaccinations, more children now survive and thrive past their fifth
birthday than at any other point in history, three, said the UNICEF Executive
Director, Catherine Russell.
The World Health Organization has set three major impact goals for the current
(05:31):
decade in its Immunization Agenda 2030's Framework for Action,
Preventing Disease, Promoting Equity, and Building Strong Programs.
Generally, good progress is being made in many areas toward achieving specific
targets set for each of these broad goals.
However, there are significant shortfalls in the ability to respond to emergencies
(05:55):
and the trend toward our preventable diseases achieving vaccination targets by 2030.
Vaccines currently prevent three and a half to five million deaths every year
from diseases like, we said, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis,
influenza, and measles.
As of data reported in June of 2023.
(06:19):
WHO and UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage at the global level
for selected vaccinations include hepatitis B, 45% given at birth,
measles, 83%, and polio, 84%.
Infant deaths have reduced by 40% globally as a result of vaccination since
(06:41):
1974, and by more than 50% in Africa.
This is really good news, isn't it? I mean, it is a 50-year period,
but the fact that it is being rolled out globally is a true achievement.
Yes, yeah. And it's good to remember these incredible facts of going from 5%
(07:06):
to 84% of the children being vaccinated and surviving.
Well, I know even in my lifetime, polio, you know, in the early part of my life,
at least, was still around in the UK.
I think the vaccination program by the time I arrived was pretty well established,
but there were still many children not receiving their full course of vaccination
(07:30):
in exactly these diseases we mentioned.
Right. And certainly in my, I didn't know so much my parents' generation,
but my grandparents' generation, the incidence of child mortality through some
of these diseases was really quite remarkable.
Right. We have to remember that, you know, because it has been so well covered,
(07:53):
especially in our countries, Clive, you know, the U.S. and the U.K..
We forget. Exactly. And I had mumps when I was five years old.
And I think, you know, we had, I remember smallpox being around.
Yes, that certainly was still there, wasn't it? Mm-hmm.
Now, a major landmark study led by WHO and to be published by The Lancet, I believe this month,
(08:18):
revealed that global immunization efforts have saved an estimated 154 million
lives over the past 50 years. so something really to celebrate.
That's the equivalent of six lives every minute of every year.
The studies show that immunization is the single greatest contributor of any
(08:38):
health intervention to ensuring babies not only see their first birthday,
but continue leading healthy lives into adulthood.
Of the vaccines included in the study, the measles vaccination had the most
significant impact, accounting for 60% of the lives saved due to immunization.
(08:59):
Another study estimates that vaccinations against 10 diseases,
which include hepatitis B, human papillomavirus,
meningitis A, and rubella yellow fever, among others,
prevented 37 million deaths in low- and middle-income countries between 2000
and 2019, with a further 32 million deaths predicted to be prevented by 2030.
(09:24):
Some of the most significant successes of global vaccination efforts include,
as we mentioned, eradication of smallpox and rinderpest, two major infectious diseases,
near eradication of polio and potential for the eradication of measles as well.
Well, that's incredible.
And as of March 2023, approximately 72% of the world's population had received
(09:48):
at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in what was the most extensive global
vaccination program ever mobilized.
More than five and a half billion people worldwide have been vaccinated.
However, only 37% of the population in African nations have received at least
(10:08):
one dose of the COVID vaccine.
The pandemic also highlighted divided views on the efficacy of vaccination and
the readiness of some to decline being vaccinated, especially in Western nations.
These achievements demonstrate the enormous impact of global vaccination efforts
in preventing infectious diseases and saving millions of lives,
(10:30):
especially in low- and middle-income countries.
However, challenges remain in reaching full coverage, particularly among marginalized
communities, to eliminate these diseases that can be prevented through vaccination.
Yes, of course, the COVID vaccination is not too far from the memories of most of us.
(10:51):
I know here in the UK, queuing up, having a particular time to go to a sports
center or somewhere, it was quite an operation, wasn't it? And rolled out.
Yeah, it's very controversial in the U.S. I wonder if it's as controversial in the U.K. as it is here.
It's divided some people. Yes.
(11:13):
I like to remind people that before the vaccine, people were dying of COVID. You remember?
I mean, it may not have been perfect.
I don't know. I don't think the science is totally out, but I thought it did
its job to some extent. Yes. Yes.
I mean, I was on the pro-vaccination side. Of course, you know,
(11:34):
others have other views, of course. Yes.
And I have a number of friends who declined any vaccination.
We will know in the fullness of time whether we'll learn lessons,
won't we, about how the vaccines were brought into play and the efficacy of it all, I guess. Yes.
So the challenges. In particular, a lack of access to vaccines still leaves many children at risk.
(12:02):
And in 2021, global immunization coverage for infants dropped to 81%,
the lowest rate in over a decade, with 25 million children under one not receiving basic vaccines.
Continued investment Investment and efforts are needed to reach all children
with life-saving vaccines.
(12:24):
Challenges for achieving immunization goals also include growing conflicts that
we often talk about in this podcast, economic downturns, and a rise in vaccine
hesitancy, as we just said.
There are threatening efforts to reach unvaccinated children.
Also, ensuring vaccines remain a priority for governments in all countries and
(12:49):
are made an integral part of health care planning and investment across the life course.
Advocacy is needed to maintain immunization as a key health priority.
Adequately financing and resourcing vaccination programs in all countries,
especially those facing economic challenges.
Sufficient funding is critical to sustaining high vaccination coverage and accelerating
(13:14):
research and innovation to advance access to and support for vaccines,
including for emerging infectious diseases.
Diseases continued scientific progress is needed to develop new and improved vaccines,
overcoming vaccine hesitancy among
parents caregivers and health care workers through effective communication and
(13:37):
engagement raising awareness of the importance of immunization is key to increasing
vaccination uptake and reaching zero dose children who have not received any routine vaccinations,
often in hard-to-reach or marginalized communities.
Targeted strategies are required to identify and vaccinate these children.
(13:59):
Addressing these challenges will
require, of course, sustained political commitment, adequate resources,
innovative strategies, and collective action by all stakeholders to ensure that
everyone, no matter where they live, can benefit from life-saving vaccines.
And as we mentioned earlier, these challenges are not restricted to developing nations.
(14:22):
So for example, here in the UK, the Royal Society for Public Health recently
reported that the UK faces a concerning trend.
We're seeing the uptake of HPV vaccine failing to recover to pre-COVID pandemic levels.
No childhood vaccines met the 95% target in England last year.
(14:44):
And the number of measles cases and whooping cough infections are on the rise.
Fake news, distrust of vaccines, and hard-to-understand information have added to the problem.
And another challenge is maintaining global stockpiles of vaccines.
Currently, there are stockpiles of smallpox, meningitis, and yellow fever vaccine
(15:05):
managed by WHO and various other groups, which are meeting current demand.
However, the global stockpile of oral cholera vaccine has recently been depleted
due to a high number of outbreaks in 16 countries.
Existing manufacturers are working to scale up production, but the total global
supply expected this year is only about a quarter of what is required.
(15:29):
And of course, as we learned again from COVID, we mentioned the threat of rapid
expansion of dengue fever.
That's another one that's kind of looming. epidemics can
arrive very very quickly so there's no
guarantee that you know the vaccines are
going to be even developed right as was
(15:51):
the case with covid of course when when they do yeah so the main objectives
for world immunization week 2024 is to focus attention on these challenges with
aims that include raising awareness of the importance of immunizations among parents caregivers,
healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the media, increasing vaccination
(16:15):
coverage by advocating for vaccines to be a priority for governments and an
integral part of healthcare planning and investment across the life course,
and ensuring that vaccination programs are adequately financed and resourced
in all countries, and accelerating research and innovation to advance access
(16:36):
to and support for vaccines.
So huge cooperation and commitment needed all around. So where might we focus our attention?
Whilst, as we've seen, there's been very significant progress in the 50 years
since the UN's drive towards immunizing all against preventable diseases,
(16:57):
with the continued need for all countries of the world to cooperate in funding
and supporting vaccination rollout, we suggest holding as our focused intention this week,
We will, that all governments will be moved to recognize the priority for enabling
and promoting vaccination against preventable diseases for all people who are governed by them.
(17:20):
As always, we'll put that in the show notes, and please join us in holding this.
Now, we know that perhaps some of our listeners won't resonate with this.
As always, when we suggest an intention, it is purely a suggestion.
So if it doesn't resonate for you, that's fine. We fully understand,
respect, there are differing views on vaccination.
(17:42):
Here, the focus seems to be very much on these diseases like polio and measles and smallpox and so on,
which are essentially almost eradicated in the world now, where there is a very established,
proven record of the safety of the vaccine.
So it's probably not quite in the same area of what was happening during COVID
(18:06):
times when drugs were being developed very quickly, long-term risks had not
been assessed, they'd not gone through the usual process of clinical trial and so on.
And of course, understandably, a number of people have their own ethical reasons
for not taking, as well as their own health reasons, in some cases,
(18:26):
for not taking certain vaccines.
Scenes so this is nice to look
back on this 50-year history and
to remember the good that has
done and have gratitude for that yes
yes and to look at you know the trends in in mortality amongst children and
infants particularly how that has changed the world is a very different place
(18:49):
to 50 years ago and clearly the
vaccination program has made such a huge difference in that regard. Right.
Well, that about wraps it up for this episode. Remember, you can connect with
us in the Facebook group and for live intention holding in Clive's daily Insight
Timer offerings, and with me in the Labyrinth Activist Network's Zoom calls.
(19:12):
Details of how to hook up with these are in our show notes.
Look out, too, for our next special topic episode, which we'll be releasing in the next few days.
Thank you for listening and for sharing with us and holding intentions.
We look forward to connecting again next time.
And in the meantime, Thank you. Go well. Stay safe.
(19:34):
And remember, we're more powerful together.
Music.
Impact is presented by Helen Bintz and Clive Johnson and produced by Impact Productions.
Our theme music is by Chris Collins and our logo artwork is by Auto Classic.
(20:13):
Thank you for listening.
Thank you.
Music.
(00:11):
A podcast about how we can each bring about real change in the world and getting
practical in making that happen.
And hello, I'm Clive Johnson coming today from Brentwood, just outside London in the UK.
A special welcome if you're listening for the first time and a big thank you to our new subscribers.
Each week we look at one aspect of how we can connect our hearts to offer healing
(00:34):
for others with our collective intention, prayers and meditation and go beyond
the headlines of a a critical happening in our world that needs our attention right now.
In today's episode, we take one of these regular deep dives to more fully understand
and tune in with something many of us may know only a little about and see where
(00:57):
we might hone in with our prayers and intentions.
And as we record, it's April 30th, 2024.
And as we record, we're approaching the end of World Immunization Week,
which is a global initiative marked each year in April to promote the use of
vaccines to protect people of all ages in all member countries of the United
(01:20):
Nations against vaccine-preventable diseases.
And this month marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Expanded Program on Immunization,
EPI for short, which was created by the World Health Assembly with the aim of
vaccinating all children against diphtheria, measles, pertussis, polio,
(01:43):
tetanus, tuberculosis, and smallpox, which is the only human disease ever eradicated.
Given the many millions of lives that can be saved through vaccination for this
special episode, we thought we'd take a look at how the world is performing
in terms of vaccinating its people.
And there's much to celebrate although warnings and challenges too that need
(02:06):
our prayers and focus for sending intention.
So what sort of preventable diseases are we talking about?
Among diseases that vaccines can prevent or at least severely reduce,
the impacts are measles, whooping cough, HPV-related cancers, polio, and diphtheria.
(02:29):
And vaccination is, of course, needed in all countries, not just the developing
world, which we might be inclined to think is less able to afford and implement rollout programs.
For example, in the UK, the number of measles cases is on the rise,
and we've had a few in the US also.
(02:50):
While the COVID pandemic meant that many children around the world are behind
in receiving what would normally be routine vaccinations for diseases like measles and diphtheria,
because of the intention given to COVID vaccines and movement restriction during
periods of lockdown too.
Diseases like polio haven't been fully eradicated, while sudden outbursts of
(03:17):
diphtheria still occur in some regions too.
So how is the world responding? As we said, 50 years ago this month,
the expanded program on immunization was founded by the World Health Assembly.
Today, the program includes universal recommendations to vaccinate against 13
diseases and recommendations for a further 17 diseases in some contexts.
(03:42):
It has extended the reach of immunization to adolescents and adults, as well as to children.
In 2000, Gavi, the vaccine alliance, which includes WHO, UNICEF,
and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as its core founding members,
was created to expand the impact to BPI and help the poorest countries in the
(04:02):
world increase coverage and benefit from life-saving vaccines.
This increased focus in many vulnerable parts of the world has helped to save
more lives and further promote vaccine equity.
Gavi has now helped protect a whole generation of children and now provides
vaccines against 20 infectious diseases,
(04:24):
including the HPV vaccine and vaccines for outbreaks of measles,
cholera, yellow fever, Ebola, and meningitis.
So, how are we doing? Unlike in many areas where global cooperation is needed
with vaccination, the world has responded well in supporting EPI's mission.
(04:46):
When EPI was launched back in 1974, fewer than 5% of infants globally had access
to routine immunization.
Today, day, 84% of infants are protected with three doses of the vaccine against
diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, DTP,
(05:09):
the global marker for immunization coverage.
Thanks to vaccinations, more children now survive and thrive past their fifth
birthday than at any other point in history, three, said the UNICEF Executive
Director, Catherine Russell.
The World Health Organization has set three major impact goals for the current
(05:31):
decade in its Immunization Agenda 2030's Framework for Action,
Preventing Disease, Promoting Equity, and Building Strong Programs.
Generally, good progress is being made in many areas toward achieving specific
targets set for each of these broad goals.
However, there are significant shortfalls in the ability to respond to emergencies
(05:55):
and the trend toward our preventable diseases achieving vaccination targets by 2030.
Vaccines currently prevent three and a half to five million deaths every year
from diseases like, we said, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis,
influenza, and measles.
As of data reported in June of 2023.
(06:19):
WHO and UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage at the global level
for selected vaccinations include hepatitis B, 45% given at birth,
measles, 83%, and polio, 84%.
Infant deaths have reduced by 40% globally as a result of vaccination since
(06:41):
1974, and by more than 50% in Africa.
This is really good news, isn't it? I mean, it is a 50-year period,
but the fact that it is being rolled out globally is a true achievement.
Yes, yeah. And it's good to remember these incredible facts of going from 5%
(07:06):
to 84% of the children being vaccinated and surviving.
Well, I know even in my lifetime, polio, you know, in the early part of my life,
at least, was still around in the UK.
I think the vaccination program by the time I arrived was pretty well established,
but there were still many children not receiving their full course of vaccination
(07:30):
in exactly these diseases we mentioned.
Right. And certainly in my, I didn't know so much my parents' generation,
but my grandparents' generation, the incidence of child mortality through some
of these diseases was really quite remarkable.
Right. We have to remember that, you know, because it has been so well covered,
(07:53):
especially in our countries, Clive, you know, the U.S. and the U.K..
We forget. Exactly. And I had mumps when I was five years old.
And I think, you know, we had, I remember smallpox being around.
Yes, that certainly was still there, wasn't it? Mm-hmm.
Now, a major landmark study led by WHO and to be published by The Lancet, I believe this month,
(08:18):
revealed that global immunization efforts have saved an estimated 154 million
lives over the past 50 years. so something really to celebrate.
That's the equivalent of six lives every minute of every year.
The studies show that immunization is the single greatest contributor of any
(08:38):
health intervention to ensuring babies not only see their first birthday,
but continue leading healthy lives into adulthood.
Of the vaccines included in the study, the measles vaccination had the most
significant impact, accounting for 60% of the lives saved due to immunization.
(08:59):
Another study estimates that vaccinations against 10 diseases,
which include hepatitis B, human papillomavirus,
meningitis A, and rubella yellow fever, among others,
prevented 37 million deaths in low- and middle-income countries between 2000
and 2019, with a further 32 million deaths predicted to be prevented by 2030.
(09:24):
Some of the most significant successes of global vaccination efforts include,
as we mentioned, eradication of smallpox and rinderpest, two major infectious diseases,
near eradication of polio and potential for the eradication of measles as well.
Well, that's incredible.
And as of March 2023, approximately 72% of the world's population had received
(09:48):
at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in what was the most extensive global
vaccination program ever mobilized.
More than five and a half billion people worldwide have been vaccinated.
However, only 37% of the population in African nations have received at least
(10:08):
one dose of the COVID vaccine.
The pandemic also highlighted divided views on the efficacy of vaccination and
the readiness of some to decline being vaccinated, especially in Western nations.
These achievements demonstrate the enormous impact of global vaccination efforts
in preventing infectious diseases and saving millions of lives,
(10:30):
especially in low- and middle-income countries.
However, challenges remain in reaching full coverage, particularly among marginalized
communities, to eliminate these diseases that can be prevented through vaccination.
Yes, of course, the COVID vaccination is not too far from the memories of most of us.
(10:51):
I know here in the UK, queuing up, having a particular time to go to a sports
center or somewhere, it was quite an operation, wasn't it? And rolled out.
Yeah, it's very controversial in the U.S. I wonder if it's as controversial in the U.K. as it is here.
It's divided some people. Yes.
(11:13):
I like to remind people that before the vaccine, people were dying of COVID. You remember?
I mean, it may not have been perfect.
I don't know. I don't think the science is totally out, but I thought it did
its job to some extent. Yes. Yes.
I mean, I was on the pro-vaccination side. Of course, you know,
(11:34):
others have other views, of course. Yes.
And I have a number of friends who declined any vaccination.
We will know in the fullness of time whether we'll learn lessons,
won't we, about how the vaccines were brought into play and the efficacy of it all, I guess. Yes.
So the challenges. In particular, a lack of access to vaccines still leaves many children at risk.
(12:02):
And in 2021, global immunization coverage for infants dropped to 81%,
the lowest rate in over a decade, with 25 million children under one not receiving basic vaccines.
Continued investment Investment and efforts are needed to reach all children
with life-saving vaccines.
(12:24):
Challenges for achieving immunization goals also include growing conflicts that
we often talk about in this podcast, economic downturns, and a rise in vaccine
hesitancy, as we just said.
There are threatening efforts to reach unvaccinated children.
Also, ensuring vaccines remain a priority for governments in all countries and
(12:49):
are made an integral part of health care planning and investment across the life course.
Advocacy is needed to maintain immunization as a key health priority.
Adequately financing and resourcing vaccination programs in all countries,
especially those facing economic challenges.
Sufficient funding is critical to sustaining high vaccination coverage and accelerating
(13:14):
research and innovation to advance access to and support for vaccines,
including for emerging infectious diseases.
Diseases continued scientific progress is needed to develop new and improved vaccines,
overcoming vaccine hesitancy among
parents caregivers and health care workers through effective communication and
(13:37):
engagement raising awareness of the importance of immunization is key to increasing
vaccination uptake and reaching zero dose children who have not received any routine vaccinations,
often in hard-to-reach or marginalized communities.
Targeted strategies are required to identify and vaccinate these children.
(13:59):
Addressing these challenges will
require, of course, sustained political commitment, adequate resources,
innovative strategies, and collective action by all stakeholders to ensure that
everyone, no matter where they live, can benefit from life-saving vaccines.
And as we mentioned earlier, these challenges are not restricted to developing nations.
(14:22):
So for example, here in the UK, the Royal Society for Public Health recently
reported that the UK faces a concerning trend.
We're seeing the uptake of HPV vaccine failing to recover to pre-COVID pandemic levels.
No childhood vaccines met the 95% target in England last year.
(14:44):
And the number of measles cases and whooping cough infections are on the rise.
Fake news, distrust of vaccines, and hard-to-understand information have added to the problem.
And another challenge is maintaining global stockpiles of vaccines.
Currently, there are stockpiles of smallpox, meningitis, and yellow fever vaccine
(15:05):
managed by WHO and various other groups, which are meeting current demand.
However, the global stockpile of oral cholera vaccine has recently been depleted
due to a high number of outbreaks in 16 countries.
Existing manufacturers are working to scale up production, but the total global
supply expected this year is only about a quarter of what is required.
(15:29):
And of course, as we learned again from COVID, we mentioned the threat of rapid
expansion of dengue fever.
That's another one that's kind of looming. epidemics can
arrive very very quickly so there's no
guarantee that you know the vaccines are
going to be even developed right as was
(15:51):
the case with covid of course when when they do yeah so the main objectives
for world immunization week 2024 is to focus attention on these challenges with
aims that include raising awareness of the importance of immunizations among parents caregivers,
healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the media, increasing vaccination
(16:15):
coverage by advocating for vaccines to be a priority for governments and an
integral part of healthcare planning and investment across the life course,
and ensuring that vaccination programs are adequately financed and resourced
in all countries, and accelerating research and innovation to advance access
(16:36):
to and support for vaccines.
So huge cooperation and commitment needed all around. So where might we focus our attention?
Whilst, as we've seen, there's been very significant progress in the 50 years
since the UN's drive towards immunizing all against preventable diseases,
(16:57):
with the continued need for all countries of the world to cooperate in funding
and supporting vaccination rollout, we suggest holding as our focused intention this week,
We will, that all governments will be moved to recognize the priority for enabling
and promoting vaccination against preventable diseases for all people who are governed by them.
(17:20):
As always, we'll put that in the show notes, and please join us in holding this.
Now, we know that perhaps some of our listeners won't resonate with this.
As always, when we suggest an intention, it is purely a suggestion.
So if it doesn't resonate for you, that's fine. We fully understand,
respect, there are differing views on vaccination.
(17:42):
Here, the focus seems to be very much on these diseases like polio and measles and smallpox and so on,
which are essentially almost eradicated in the world now, where there is a very established,
proven record of the safety of the vaccine.
So it's probably not quite in the same area of what was happening during COVID
(18:06):
times when drugs were being developed very quickly, long-term risks had not
been assessed, they'd not gone through the usual process of clinical trial and so on.
And of course, understandably, a number of people have their own ethical reasons
for not taking, as well as their own health reasons, in some cases,
(18:26):
for not taking certain vaccines.
Scenes so this is nice to look
back on this 50-year history and
to remember the good that has
done and have gratitude for that yes
yes and to look at you know the trends in in mortality amongst children and
infants particularly how that has changed the world is a very different place
(18:49):
to 50 years ago and clearly the
vaccination program has made such a huge difference in that regard. Right.
Well, that about wraps it up for this episode. Remember, you can connect with
us in the Facebook group and for live intention holding in Clive's daily Insight
Timer offerings, and with me in the Labyrinth Activist Network's Zoom calls.
(19:12):
Details of how to hook up with these are in our show notes.
Look out, too, for our next special topic episode, which we'll be releasing in the next few days.
Thank you for listening and for sharing with us and holding intentions.
We look forward to connecting again next time.
And in the meantime, Thank you. Go well. Stay safe.
(19:34):
And remember, we're more powerful together.
Music.
Impact is presented by Helen Bintz and Clive Johnson and produced by Impact Productions.
Our theme music is by Chris Collins and our logo artwork is by Auto Classic.
(20:13):
Thank you for listening.
Thank you.
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