UNICEF: In 50 years, essential vaccines have saved 154 million lives

154 million lives have been saved by vaccines worldwide, according to UNICEF, or six lives every minute for the past 50 years.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), vaccines are among humanity’s greatest achievements, having saved the lives of nearly 154 million people over the past 50 years.

In Enugu, this was said by Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, Chief of Field Office (CFO) UNICEF, Enugu office, during a two-day multi-zonal media dialogue to honor 2025 World Immunization Week (WIW).

Comprehensive vaccination exercises would be conducted in 12 targeted states, according to Chiluwe, who announced that “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible” would be the topic of this year’s activity.

The states that he listed include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu, Rivers, Delta, Imo, and Kogi.

Chiluwe addressed reporters and other medical professionals in attendance, saying: “I am delighted to be here on this auspicious occasion of the fostering dialogue that will help promote and provide quality immunization services to everyone, especially the children we serve.”

“As World Immunization Week (WIW) 2025 draws near, it is crucial to emphasize the occasion’s ongoing significance. Through accessible and equitable immunization services, everyone—from infants to the elderly—can be protected against diseases that can be prevented by vaccination, as this year’s theme underscores.

The world’s WIW celebration begins today, and UNICEF is working with governments and healthcare providers to spread the word about the importance of providing immunization services, which includes reaching the final mile.

UNICEF takes this occasion to highlight that vaccines are evidence that, with enough willpower, we can achieve greater life and fewer disease. The world needs to see that “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible.”

At least 154 million lives have been saved by necessary vaccines during the past 50 years, making them one of humanity’s greatest achievements. She stated, “That’s six lives every minute, every day, for fifty years.”

The Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA) co-sponsored the media debate, which was attended by journalists from all of the targeted states. Journalists also pledged at the hybrid event to keep an eye on their states’ vaccination campaigns, particularly in rural areas.

Awka’s David-Chyddy Eleke and Blessing Ibunge