As part of European Immunisation Week, Member of the European
Parliament Mary Honeyball explains why we need to re-dedicate
ourselves to ensuring equitable coverage of vaccines everywhere
in the world. Saturday marked the beginning of European
Immunisation Week. Organised by the World Health Organisation
(WHO) it provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the
importance of immunising children against deadly diseases.
Vaccines and immunisations are a powerful tool in which to save
vulnerable children’s lives. But how programmes are funded can
vary. Sustainable aid for organisations responsible for the
delivery of immunisation programmes, such as the Global Alliance
for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI), needs our continued
support. In January this year Bill Gates visited the European
Parliament and talked about the positive effect that aid has had
in developing countries. More specifically he spoke of the
positive impact immunisation programmes have had in developing
countries. His figures indicated that bet