UNICEF: Vaccines Have Saved Over 154 Million Lives in 50 Years

Vaccines have helped save more than 154 million lives globally over the last 50 years, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which has described immunization as one of humanity’s greatest public health triumphs.

This was announced by Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, Chief of Field Office at UNICEF’s Enugu office, during a two-day multi-zonal media engagement held in Enugu to mark World Immunization Week (WIW) 2025.

This year’s global campaign is themed “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible,” and will be rolled out across 12 focus states in Nigeria. These include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu, Rivers, Delta, Imo, and Kogi.

Speaking to journalists and healthcare professionals, Chiluwe emphasized the ongoing importance of equitable access to vaccines, particularly for children and underserved communities.

“I’m delighted to join you on this important occasion as we foster dialogue that supports quality immunization for all, especially the children we serve,” she said. “This year’s theme reminds us that protecting everyone, from newborns to the elderly, against vaccine-preventable diseases is both achievable and necessary.”

Chiluwe added that the campaign also underscores the need to reach remote and rural communities, ensuring that no child is left behind.

“UNICEF uses this opportunity to remind the world that vaccines are proof that less disease and more life is possible when we act together,” she said. “Vaccines remain one of humanity’s greatest achievements. In the past 50 years, they have saved at least 154 million lives, that’s six lives every minute, every day, for five decades.”

The media event, co-sponsored by the Abia State Broadcasting Corporation, brought together journalists from all 12 target states. The participating media professionals committed to tracking the progress of the campaign in their respective regions, with a particular focus on rural outreach.

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