World Immunisation Week
Every year in the last week of April, the World Health Organization (WHO) observes World Immunisation Week, a global campaign to highlight the importance of vaccines in preventing deadly diseases. Immunisation is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions, saving 2-3 million lives annually from diseases like measles, polio, and pneumonia.
In 2025, the theme is “Immunisation for All Is Humanly Possible,” emphasising that no one should be left behind in accessing life-saving vaccines. Despite progress, 20 million children worldwide still miss out on essential vaccinations, often in underserved and rural communities.
Why Vaccines Matter
Vaccines are a medical miracle—they prevent diseases before they occur, reducing suffering, disability, and death. Key benefits include:
✔ Eradicating deadly diseases (e.g., smallpox, near-elimination of polio)
✔ Protecting vulnerable groups (children, pregnant women, the elderly)
✔ Reducing healthcare costs by preventing expensive treatments
✔ Strengthening herd immunity, keeping entire communities safe
Yet, vaccine hesitancy, poverty, and lack of access remain major barriers, particularly in rural and conflict-affected regions.
Indus Hospital & Health Network’s Primary Care Programme
Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) believes vaccines should reach every child, no matter where they live. The Primary Care Programme focuses on bridging the immunisation gap in rural and underserved communities through:
- Mobile Vaccination Clinics
Many villages lack healthcare facilities, so IHHN’s mobile teams travel to remote areas to:
– Administer free vaccines to children and pregnant women
– Educate families on vaccine safety and schedules
– Follow up with missed doses to ensure full protection
- Community Awareness Campaigns
Misinformation fuels vaccine hesitancy. IHHN combats this by:
– Training local health workers to address myths
– Holding community workshops on vaccine benefits
– Partnering with religious leaders to build trust
Awareness & Equity in Immunisation
While vaccines exist, access and education remain unequal. To ensure “Immunisation for All,” we must:
✅ Support vaccination programmes in hard-to-reach areas
✅ Combat misinformation with science-based awareness
✅ Advocate for policies that fund immunisation
A Future Where No Child Dies from Preventable Diseases
This World Immunisation Week, let’s reaffirm that vaccines are a right, not a privilege. Indus Hospital & Health Network is proving that universal immunisation is possible—but we need collective action to make it a reality. Together, we can build a world where no child suffers from a disease that vaccines can prevent.
