Vaccinations
Dear Editor: Ebola’s arrival into the U.S. reminds us of what happens when disease outpaces health infrastructure. While we struggle with diseases that are still a mystery to us, millions of children are lost each year to diseases that are entirely preventable. Many of us take for granted these basic, cost-effective vaccinations. Through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the U.S. can help save lives by accelerating access to immunizations for all children.
Since 2000, Gavi has worked with low-income countries, donor nations, and the private sector to bring global immunization rates to an all-time high. In January 2015, Gavi will be seeking $7.5 billion in order to vaccinate 300 million more children by 2020, which will save over 5 million additional lives. Gavi is also helping build healthcare infrastructure so that poor nations can handle crises, like Ebola.
Where you live shouldn’t determine IF you live. We have effective vaccines for two of the leading causes of childhood death: pneumococcal disease (the main cause of pneumonia) and rotavirus (the leading cause of severe diarrhea). Children in low-income countries often miss out on these life-saving vaccinations. Gavi is the best tool for ensuring that these vaccines are available to everyone, everywhere.
Vaccines are a wise investment: a “best buy” with a low cost and a payoff that extends far beyond an individual child. Gavi’s plan to vaccinate 300 million more children will generate $80-100 billion in economic benefit - through both health system savings and increased economic productivity.
This is a call for the Administration to keep its promise. President Obama has made a personal commitment to help end preventable child deaths. A $1 billion commitment to Gavi NOW will not only help save more than 5 million lives in the years ahead, it will be the down payment to end unnecessary child death once and for all.
Sitka RESULTS advocates
Elizabeth Mosher, Judy Johnstone, Michele Friedman, Tiffany Bryner,
Kari Sagel, Libby Stortz,
Donald Power, Cindy Litman,
Ann Stevenson, Nancy Knapp,
Elizabeth Will, Dr. Valerie Edwards,
Dr. Debra Brushaffer, Michelle Putz
