VACCINATIONS have played a crucial role in global health for hundreds of years. Across continents and cultures, people have relied on vaccines as one of the most effective tools to control and eliminate deadly infectious diseases. Despite facing numerous pandemics and outbreaks throughout history, the advancement of modern medical science has allowed researchers and doctors to develop life-saving vaccines, protecting millions of lives around the world.
One of the most remarkable examples of vaccine success is the eradication of smallpox. This devastating disease, which spread across Europe in the late 18th century, was considered one of the deadliest infections in human history. It claimed the lives of approximately 60 million people globally, with a significant number of victims being young children. In 1796, a breakthrough came when Edward Jenner, a rural English surgeon, developed the world’s first smallpox vaccine. His discovery marked a turning point in medical science and ultimately led to the saving of countless lives.
In 1980, the World Health Organization officially declared the world free of smallpox after years of successful vaccination campaigns. This achievement was a milestone in public health, made possible by the dedication and efforts of medical professionals and global cooperation.
Vaccines continue to protect people from over 20 life-threatening diseases today. According to a 2024 survey published in The Lancet medical journal, vaccinations have saved the lives of approximately 154 million children since 1974. This equates to saving about six children every minute, with 95 per cent of those saved being under five years old.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic further demonstrated the importance of vaccines. In just the first year of the global rollout, COVID-19 vaccines were estimated to have saved 19.8 million lives. Without these vaccines, the death toll could have reached as high as 31.4 million people worldwide. The rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines highlighted the power of scientific innovation and international collaboration.
Today, vaccines remain essential for protecting public health, increasing human life expectancy, and supporting the social and economic development of nations. Missing vaccinations can leave children vulnerable to infections that could have been prevented, potentially leading to life-threatening situations. As such, governments and health authorities around the world must continue to prioritize and promote childhood vaccination programmes. Ensuring widespread access to vaccines is not just a health issue – it is a critical investment in the future of humanity. As such, the responsibility of relevant authorities and health awareness of people must contribute to the improvement of the health sector.
