Closing the equity gap – opportunities and challenges in unlocking the value of immunizing children

Abstract

Infection remains one of the greatest killers of children in the world. A large proportion of these deaths are due to infectious agents for which effective vaccines are already available.

Vaccination has been one the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions of the 20th century. Data indicates that the greatest return on investment from vaccination disproportionately accrues to the poorest communities. Unfortunately, access to vaccines is not equitable, with the most vulnerable least likely to receive them.

Using global data on the burden of disease, vaccination coverage, historical patterns of vaccine introduction and uptake, as well as access to currently available antigens, the talk will highlight the inequities in immunization practices and explore their causes. In addition, the talk will challenge the ethical framework that perpetuates these iniquities and suggests potential opportunities for addressing them.