World Immunisation Week 2025: Vaccines save 6 lives a minute, says WHO

By Admin

24 Apr, 2025

Every minute, six lives are saved thanks to vaccines. That’s the powerful message being echoed around the globe as World Immunisation Week 2025 is observed from April 24 to April 30. Led by the World Health Organization (WHO), this year’s campaign carries the inspiring theme: "Immunisation for all is humanly possible." The week-long event aims to raise awareness about the life-saving power of vaccines and to promote fair and universal access to immunisation services.

Why World Immunisation Week Matters

World Immunisation Week is more than just a calendar observance—it’s a call to action. It serves as a reminder that vaccines are among humanity’s most effective health tools, preventing millions of deaths annually and offering long-term protection against devastating diseases.

According to WHO, over the last 50 years, immunisation has saved at least 154 million lives—a figure that translates to six lives every single minute. Yet, despite the remarkable progress, challenges like vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and inequitable access persist, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Who Leads the Campaign?

The campaign is coordinated by the World Health Organization in collaboration with governments, health professionals, civil society organisations, and global partners. It forms part of WHO's broader mission to build resilient healthcare systems and promote universal health coverage.

Vaccination: A Cornerstone of Global Health

Immunisation has already helped the world eliminate smallpox, push polio to the brink of eradication, and significantly control diseases such as measles, hepatitis B, and diphtheria. The WHO stresses that every dollar invested in vaccines returns up to $44 in economic benefits—proof that vaccines not only protect lives but also strengthen economies.

The 2025 Focus: Equity and Catch-Up

This year, WHO is putting a spotlight on vaccine equity, aiming to bridge gaps across geographies, income levels, and social groups. The focus is also on catching up—to ensure no one is left behind after immunisation delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key objectives include:

• Reaching underserved, remote, and conflict-affected communities
  
  

• Strengthening vaccine delivery systems to convert access into real-world coverage
  
  

• Promoting the idea that full vaccine coverage is achievable, with the right infrastructure and community support
  
  

How Individuals Can Contribute

We all have a role in making immunisation accessible for everyone. Here’s what you can do:

• Stay updated on vaccine schedules for yourself and your family
  
  

• Spread facts, not fear—share credible, science-based information
  
  

• Join local events or campaigns during World Immunisation Week
  
  

• Encourage others to talk to healthcare providers about vaccines
  
  

Health Workers: Champions of Immunisation

Healthcare professionals are at the frontlines of the vaccination movement. They are urged to use every opportunity to:

• Review and update vaccination statuses
  
  

• Educate families about the importance of vaccines
  
  

• Address concerns and build public trust in immunisation