There are more than 30 million children that are not immunized either because vaccines are unavailable, because health services are poorly provided or inaccessible, or because families are uninformed or misinformed about when or why to bring their children for immunization. I am very passionate about children being immunized because it is a simple process and it prevents children from dying.
Children die everyday in developed countries because of pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria, measles, HIV/AIDS and malnutrition. Measles in industrial countries are not a health concern for infants but is developed countries can cause up to 40 per cent mortality among infected children in unsanitary and overcrowded situations.
In Sub Saharan Africa 90 per cent of malaria cases occur in this region. Malaria. In 2003, measles, a viral respiratory infection killed over 500,000 children, more than any other vaccine-preventable disease. The measles death toll in Africa is so high, that every minute one child dies. Most mothers do not give their children real names until they have survived the disease. Children that due survive this disease may suffer blindness, deafness or brain damage.
The cost of immunizations in not very expensive at all. As a society we all need to help to make sure all children have a chance for a long and healthy life. UNICEF is an organization that helps developed countries receive funds to assist in this global issue. We too, can help by donating a few dollars a day to help a child receive immunizations.
Hi Carrie,
ReplyDeleteThose are alarming statistics in the number of children not being immunized. It's true that we don't realize how much we take for granted, until we hear of such statistics. I agree with your comment that "as a society we all need to help make sure all children have a chance at a long and healthy life." As UNICEF's website says, "Vaccinate One Child, Vaccinate Every Child."