World Immunization Day 2024: Importance and Key Focus Areas
| Summary/Static | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in the news? | World Immunization Day 2024 |
| Date of Observance | November 10th annually |
| Purpose | Raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and promote access to vaccines. |
| Established By | World Health Organization (WHO), 2012 |
| Significance | Marks the anniversary of WHO's Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) from 1974. |
| Key Health Impact | Prevents millions of deaths from diseases like measles, polio, and hepatitis B. |
| Economic Benefits | Reduces healthcare costs and improves productivity through healthier populations. |
| Herd Immunity | Vaccines protect vulnerable populations who can't be vaccinated. |
| 2024 Theme | "Vaccines for All: Protecting Communities and Building Health Equity" |
| Challenges | Expanding vaccine access, combating vaccine hesitancy, recovering missed vaccinations, ensuring equitable vaccine distribution |
| COVAX Partnership | Ensures vaccines reach vulnerable populations, irrespective of socioeconomic status. |
| Ways to Support | Educate & Advocate, Support Local Immunization Drives, Stay Vaccinated, Collaborate with Health Professionals, Engage Public Figures |