The most effective health intervention is vaccination, which guarantees that kids will not only make it through their first year of life but will also thrive as adults. Vaccines have prevented almost 154 million deaths in the last 50 years, or six deaths every minute. The 51% decrease in the global under-5 death rate since 2000 is indicative of this accomplishment.
The stories of committed medical professionals—nurses, doctors, and volunteer health workers—are what enable these achievements. Their initiatives have significantly enhanced mother and child health, as has been the result of decades of worldwide dedication. Our work is far from done, though.
It is possible that in the next five years, vaccination research may make revolutionary strides akin to those of the 1980s. Canada will be essential to this future. We implore Canada to make an investment #ForOurFuture by contributing at least $720 million to Gavi’s 2026–2030 Strategy and by contributing $50 million a year to the Global Polio Elimination Initiative to aid in the elimination of polio.
There will soon be new vaccinations against TB, HPV, and malaria that might save millions more lives. Still, every year more than 14 million infants fail to receive necessary vaccinations. These problems are made worse by geographic obstacles, conflicts, and shocks to the climate.
Canada can guarantee that every kid receives life-saving vaccinations and create a healthier, more resilient planet for future generations by reiterating support for Gavi and GPEI.
