Immunizations are also called vaccines. "Vaccines stimulate the body’s own immune system to protect the person against subsequent infection or disease." (WHO 2012). Families who vaccinate children save lives against deadly diseases. The World Health Organization reports that China has had a 92% drop in Measles as a result of its measles immunization effort. These kind of diseases can be prevented by simply vaccinating. China isn't the only country reporting these findings. Other countries with these findings are Cambodia, Japan, Laos, Philippines, and Viet Nam.
WHO is focused on eliminating the Measles disease in all the Western Pacific Region (WPR) countries. Below is a graph depicting a four year study of the region.
"Since 2001 the Initiative has supported 80 countries to deliver more than 1 billion doses of measles vaccine, helped to raise measles vaccination coverage to 85 percent globally and reduced measles deaths by 74 percent." (WHO 2012).
This topic impacts my future and the future of children all over the world. Where there is a need we must do something to fill in its void. What ways can we help with this initiative? The Red Cross gives us ample opportunity to help by donating, volunteering, fundraising opportunities, and by being advocates.
For more information click on the following links:
http://www.who.int/topics/immunization/en/
http://www.measlesrubellainitiative.org/
http://www.redcross.org/support/international-support
Melanie,
ReplyDeleteThere are some great programs that are helping children in other countries thrive. I think people in the United States are getting too relaxed and take immunizations for granted. Because these diseases are not common in the US anymore, people tend to think it is not possible for it to break out. Every now and then, you will hear a report on the news about measles or some other disease breaking out in the US. This is a result of parents not having their children immunized for various reasons. The stats you provided show how important these vaccines are. Thanks!
Mary Jo
Melanie,
ReplyDeleteI also chose to focus on vaccinations for my blog assignment because I also think that this aspect of public health is paramount for the prevention of childhood communicable diseases. Since physiological health is closely linked to the optimal social and cognitive development of all young children, I think that organizations like the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control (the organization that I chose to focus on) are important in the role that they play in ensuring the health and subsequent quality of life for all of the world's children.
Hello Melanie, I understand where you are coming from. China is not trying all they can to save the lives of the young children. I wish there were a way that I could just bring them to the U.S. so that they can get all of the care they need. Vaccines are the cure for many children getting sick. If every child get their vaccines their body may be more healthy.
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