Infant mortality rates have seen a significant decline worldwide since 1974, with various factors contributing to this positive trend. According to a recent study, lower poverty levels, improved nutrition, cleaner air and water, and the widespread availability of vaccines have all played a role in reducing infant deaths.
Vaccines, in particular, have been instrumental in saving millions of lives over the past five decades. In fact, vaccines alone have accounted for 40 percent of the decline in infant mortality rates. A staggering 154 million deaths have been prevented thanks to vaccines, with 146 million of those lives saved among children under the age of 5.
Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi have been pivotal in spearheading vaccination campaigns in the Global South, making vaccines more accessible to communities in need. The measles vaccine, for example, has prevented 93.7 million deaths since 1974.
The study, which involved analyzing data on mortality rates, vaccine coverage, and disease spread models, underscores the significant impact vaccines have had on public health. Not only have vaccines saved countless lives, but they have also prevented suffering from lifelong health impacts.
Despite recent successes with Covid-19 vaccines, there has been a concerning decline in support for childhood vaccinations, particularly among Republicans in the US. It is crucial to recognize the importance of vaccines in public health, as they have given people an additional 9 billion years to live their lives.
Overall, the study highlights the pivotal role vaccines play in reducing infant mortality rates and improving global health outcomes. It serves as a reminder of the life-saving potential of vaccines and the importance of ensuring their accessibility to all populations.
