Study Shows Emergency Vaccines Reduce Deaths by 60%

Emergency vaccination during outbreaks of diseases like cholera, Ebola, and measles has reduced deaths from such illnesses by nearly 60% over the past quarter-century, a new study reveals. In addition to preventing a similar number of infections, these efforts have also led to billions of euros in estimated economic benefits.

The study, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Global Health, analyzed 210 outbreaks of five infectious diseases in 49 lower-income countries between 2000 and 2023. The research, backed by the Gavi vaccine alliance in collaboration with the Burnet Institute in Australia, highlights the significant impact of emergency immunization efforts on public health and global health security.

Vaccination roll-outs during outbreaks have shown a dramatic effect, reducing both infections and deaths by almost 60% across diseases like cholera, Ebola, measles, meningitis, and yellow fever. Notably, vaccination during yellow fever outbreaks decreased deaths by 99% and by 76% for Ebola.

The study also estimated that the immunization efforts carried out during these outbreaks generated nearly $32 billion in economic benefits by averting deaths and years of life lost to disability. However, this amount is likely an underestimate of the total savings, as it did not consider outbreak response costs or the broader socio-economic impacts of large outbreaks.

The study underscores the cost-effectiveness of vaccines as a crucial countermeasure against the growing threat of disease outbreaks. It comes at a time when the World Health Organization has raised concerns about the increasing global incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases due to misinformation and reductions in international aid.

Gavi, a key player in global vaccination efforts, is currently seeking additional funding amidst global aid cuts and the recent decision by Washington to withdraw its support from the organization.

According to the source: Medical Xpress.