Study reveals emergency vaccination cuts infectious disease deaths by 60% - ITREALMS

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A groundbreaking study has found that emergency vaccination responses to cholera, Ebola, measles, meningitis, and yellow fever outbreaks have reduced deaths by nearly 60% on average between 2000 and 2023, reports ITREALMS.

The study, conducted by Burnet Institute in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, also estimated that these efforts generated at least $32 billion in economic benefits.

The study analyzed 210 outbreaks in 49 lower-income countries and found that emergency vaccination reduced cases and deaths by nearly 60% on average across the five diseases. For Ebola, the impact was significant, with a 77% reduction in cases and 76% reduction in deaths. Similarly, yellow fever outbreaks saw a 98% reduction in cases and 99% reduction in deaths.

The study highlights the importance of rapid outbreak response times and maintaining strong routine immunization coverage, especially in high-risk settings. Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, emphasized the power of vaccines as a cost-effective countermeasure to the increasing risk of outbreaks.

Gavi aims to maintain global vaccine stockpiles, support targeted preventive vaccination, and address the root causes of current outbreaks in its next strategic period from 2026 to 2030. 

The Alliance is seeking full funding to protect communities and prevent future outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics.

Ifeoma Nweke/Editor