A resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases in Europe and Central Asia is endangering millions of lives, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. Measles, whooping cough, and diphtheria are making a troubling comeback, reversing years of progress and putting health systems under strain.
With 53 countries in the European Region, the issue is particularly pressing. Despite having the tools to prevent these diseases, millions remain unvaccinated, threatening the hard-won gains of the past decades. WHO and UNICEF warn that complacency in immunization efforts is both dangerous and deadly.
As European Immunization Week kicks off, both organizations are urging governments and communities to act swiftly to protect the progress made in public health. They call for immediate action to close immunization gaps, ensuring that vaccines reach every individual across the region, which is crucial for advancing health security, social stability, and overall prosperity.
“Vaccines have drastically reduced the burden of disease in our region,” said Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “It is unacceptable that children today should die from diseases like tetanus or diphtheria when we have the means to prevent them.”
Vaccination has also extended its reach, with newer vaccines protecting against pneumonia, respiratory illnesses, COVID-19, and influenza. Immunization efforts during pregnancy help protect both mothers and their babies. Despite these advancements, routine childhood vaccination rates have stagnated, with some nations seeing a decline.
The consequences of these trends are already evident. In 2024, measles cases surged past 127,000, the highest number in 27 years. Pertussis cases reached a 29-year high, and diphtheria cases doubled in recent years. Although the region has been free of endemic wild poliovirus for over two decades, the number of virus importations is rising, signaling that vaccination coverage is insufficient in certain areas.
Experts caution that if current patterns continue, the impact of vaccine-preventable diseases could severely hinder health systems’ ability to manage cases and adapt to new health challenges.
WHO and UNICEF are calling on all countries to urgently address these growing threats by committing to three essential actions:
Prioritize funding for vaccines and immunization services, including continued research and development.
Ensure vaccines are accessible to everyone, especially in remote, rural, and underserved communities.
Build public trust in vaccines through clear communication, support for healthcare workers, and efforts to counter misinformation.
The solutions, experts say, must be tailored to specific contexts. In some regions, mobile clinics or door-to-door vaccination campaigns may be necessary, while others may benefit from improved appointment systems or reminders. Regardless of the approach, WHO and UNICEF stress that empowering health workers to address vaccine concerns and engage with communities is vital.
High and equitable vaccine coverage remains the most effective strategy for preventing outbreaks, alleviating healthcare system pressures, and reducing unnecessary illness and death. WHO and UNICEF reaffirm that immunization for all is achievable, with global health benefits extending to all ages and communities.
As the region faces these challenges, the message is clear: sustained investment in immunization is essential for protecting the public health progress of the past and securing a healthier future for all.
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