As World Immunisation Week 2025 unfolds, the World Health Organization (WHO) is drawing global attention to a striking fact: vaccines are currently saving six lives every minute. This powerful statistic underscores the profound impact of immunisation programs across the world, reinforcing the essential role vaccines play in protecting people of all ages from deadly and debilitating diseases.
Held annually in the last week of April, World Immunisation Week brings together partners from across the health and development spectrum to promote the use of vaccines and highlight the life-saving benefits of immunisation. The 2025 campaign focuses not only on the remarkable progress already made but also on the urgent need to close immunisation gaps that leave millions—especially children—in vulnerable situations.
Vaccination has been one of the greatest success stories in modern medicine. From the eradication of smallpox to the near-elimination of polio and the control of measles, diphtheria, tetanus, and other diseases, immunisation has prevented untold suffering and death. WHO’s estimate that vaccines save more than 8 million lives every year is a testament to the global efforts in developing, distributing, and administering vaccines to communities near and far.
However, despite this progress, challenges remain. In many parts of the world, immunisation coverage has been disrupted by conflicts, misinformation, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of children are still missing out on life-saving vaccines, leaving them exposed to preventable illnesses. In response, WHO and its partners are calling for renewed investment and stronger commitment from governments and health systems to ensure equitable access to vaccines for everyone, everywhere.
This year’s campaign emphasizes the theme of resilience and recovery. Health workers are being recognized for their unwavering dedication, often working in difficult and dangerous conditions to reach remote and underserved populations. Communities are also being encouraged to rebuild trust in science and public health, as misinformation continues to pose a serious threat to vaccine uptake.
World Immunisation Week 2025 is a reminder that vaccines are not just a tool of disease prevention—they are a cornerstone of global health security. As the world continues to grapple with new and emerging health threats, the importance of immunisation cannot be overstated. With sustained effort, innovation, and collaboration, the goal of universal immunisation coverage can be achieved, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against preventable diseases.
