Immunization saves millions of lives and is widely recognized as one of the world’s most successful and cost-effective health interventions. Yet, there are more than 19 million unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children in the world, putting them at serious risk of these potentially fatal diseases. Of these children, 1 out of 10 never receive any vaccinations, and most likely have never been seen by the health system.
World Immunization Week – celebrated in the last week of April – aims to highlight the collective action needed to ensure that every person is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is proud to participate in World Immunization Week. Every day, Lions are mounting social mobilization campaigns, talking to parents and community leaders, and helping to save the lives of countless children from measles.
In 2010, LCIF and Lions made a promise to the children of the world. We committed to raising US$30 million by the end of 2017 to support measles vaccinations for some of the neediest areas of the world.
Not only did we meet our goal, but because of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, that actually became US$60 million. Our One Shot: One Life measles vaccination initiative was a tremendous success.
Because of Lions, 88 million children have been vaccinated against this deadly – but preventable – disease. Because of Lions, 61,000 future deaths have been avoided. In fact, in 2016, global measles deaths fell to a historic low of fewer than 90,000.
Thank you, Lions, for your protecting our children.
