Global Immunization
A 2016 study found that for every $1 spent on vaccines in the world’s 94 lowest income countries, US$16 are saved in healthcare costs, lost wages, and lost productivity. When the authors also took into account the value people placed on living healthier lives, increases in life expectancy and the burden of long-term disability, the net return per dollar spent increased to US$44.
![Two kids looking a globe](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-06/Photo-Restricted-VEC-kids-looking-globe-2624x1720-v01.jpg?itok=QVuO1YSj)
Worldwide Disease Incidence
Even though some diseases may not be making people in your neighborhood sick, they may be common in other parts of the world. Given that people commonly travel for business, to visit family and friends, to volunteer with relief groups, and for vacation, the viruses or bacteria that cause infectious diseases can easily “hitch a ride.”
![Family at airport](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-07/Photo-Restricted-VEC-family-at-airport-2624x1720-v01.jpg?itok=TLleI24T)
Controlling the Spread of Disease
Because no country in the world exists in isolation, control of diseases must be collaborative. While communication between countries and regions must be open and disease tracking coordinated, public health approaches and vaccine schedules may vary.
![Map showing Pakistan and Afghanistan](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-07/Photo-Restricted-VEC-map-pakistan-afghanistan-2624x1720-v01.jpg?itok=9Tz4tPJF)
Vaccine Coverage Is Variable
Each year millions of people around the world die from vaccine-preventable diseases. Most of the deaths are due to a lack of immunization. People may not receive needed vaccines because of availability, personal beliefs, vaccine safety concerns, or circumstances out of their control. Availability and circumstance are particularly important in the developing world.
![Aedes aegypti mosquito](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-07/Photo-VEC-aedes-aegypti-mosquito-cdc2624x1720-v01.jpg?itok=lupjyIVj)
Neglected Tropical Diseases
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious diseases that are considered “neglected” because they have traditionally received relatively little attention from global governments and health organizations.
One of the most prominent groups leading the effort to immunize the world’s children is the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), a unique public-private partnership focused on improving immunization rates in poor countries and accelerating access to new vaccines. Learn more about the efforts of the GAVI Alliance.
Reviewed by Paul A. Offit, MD, on June 29, 2024