The global vaccination efforts of the latter half of the 20th century stand as one of humanity's greatest accomplishments. Through widespread immunization campaigns, we have successfully eradicated smallpox, come close to defeating polio, and significantly increased the survival rates of children worldwide.

This year, as we observe World Immunization Week, we mark 50 years since the inception of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). This milestone celebrates our collective dedication to saving lives and improving health by preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. It also serves as a reminder to nations to bolster their investments in immunization programs to safeguard future generations.

In just five decades, we have transitioned from a world where child mortality was a pervasive fear among parents to one where every vaccinated child has the opportunity to lead a healthy life. Originally targeting protection against six childhood illnesses, the EPI has expanded to encompass 13 universally recommended vaccines spanning the entire lifespan, with an additional 17 vaccines recommended based on specific contexts. This evolution has led to the program being renamed the Essential Programme on Immunization.

Despite our progress, recent years have seen a setback in immunization efforts. While more than four million additional children were vaccinated globally in 2022 compared to the previous year, approximately 20 million children still missed out on one or more of their vaccines. Factors such as escalating conflicts, economic downturns, and an increase in vaccine hesitancy pose significant challenges to reaching these vulnerable populations. Consequently, we are witnessing sudden outbreaks of diseases like diphtheria and measles, which were previously under control.

Although global vaccine coverage remains high, with four out of five children receiving full immunization, there is still much work to be done. It is imperative that we strive to ensure equitable access to vaccines for all individuals, thereby harnessing the life-saving potential of immunization for everyone.