WHO’s World Immunization Week: 24-30 April

As World Immunization Week is observed from 24-30 April with the theme “Long Life for All,” the World Council of Churches (WCC) and its vaccine champions continue to support sharing accurate information about vaccines as well as access to vaccines across the globe.

Immunization is being recognized as one of the world’s most successful and cost-effective health interventions but still there are around 20 million children in the world today who are not getting the vaccines as per their needs.

“Long Life for All” 

This year’s week is focused on the theme “Long Life for All” which is intended to convey the historical significance the development of vaccines has had on the world and their importance to a long and healthy life.

History of the day:

In May 2012, the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the WHO, endorsed World Immunization Week. The world’s first “World Immunization Week” was observed in 2012, which witnessed the simultaneous participation of more than 180 countries and territories worldwide.

Significance Amid Covid-19

Many people have lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic and are still dying due to the new variants being detected every now and then. During this time, researchers did their best to develop vaccines to combat the harsh effects of the dangerous coronavirus. While usually vaccines were given to children, they developed vaccines for adults.