Brussels: A joint statement by the European Commission, WHO Regional Office for Europe, and UNICEF Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia has highlighted the significant advancements made by vaccination programs in protecting public health over the past two decades. This announcement comes as the 20th European Immunisation Week begins, underscoring the importance of continued leadership and commitment to sustaining these achievements.
According to Cyprus News Agency, European Immunisation Week, initiated in 2007 across 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia, was designed to raise awareness about the necessity and right for every child to be shielded from vaccine-preventable diseases. Since its inception, the awareness week has played a crucial role in informing and protecting individuals across the WHO European Region, leading to improvements in national immunisation programs and public health outcomes.
Globally, vaccinations have saved an estimated 154 million lives since 1974. In Europe, high vaccination coverage has significantly reduced the prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases. The WHO European Region has been free of endemic polio since 2002, has nearly eliminated measles and rubella regionally, and has witnessed a drastic reduction in reported cases of numerous diseases. For instance, between 2000 and 2024, rubella cases fell by more than 99%, diphtheria by 90%, and mumps by 95%. Countries have broadened immunisation to protect children against other serious diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia, and rotavirus. Nearly all countries in the region have included the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in their schedules to prevent various forms of cancer. Moreover, pregnant women now receive protection against diseases like pertussis, influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), safeguarding both them and their newborns.
However, some countries face declining immunisation rates, and there is an increase in large and disruptive outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. In 2024, the WHO European Region recorded more than 298,000 cases of pertussis, the highest ever, and measles cases exceeded 127,000, marking the highest number in 27 years. These challenges are partly due to a lack of awareness, misinformation, and distrust in vaccines or health authorities. They also highlight uneven immunisation coverage and weaknesses in primary health care systems. Maintaining current gains and ensuring the sustainability of immunisation programs requires continued investment.
Europe cannot afford to regress in this vital area. Strengthening national and regional immunisation programs and accelerating globally coordinated actions is essential. The European Commission has already committed significant resources to support immunisation efforts both within the European Union and on a global scale.
UNICEF, WHO, and the European Commission remain dedicated to working collaboratively with partners to address current immunisation challenges. Their shared objective is to advocate for children's health and support marginalized communities lacking equitable vaccine access. The message is clear: vaccines are effective, life-saving, and essential for community protection.