Immunizing children is one of the most important goals of UNICEF. As we know, 22,000 children a day die from preventable causes, which include diseases such as measles, tuberculosis, polio. These are diseases that most of us don't even worry about because we get vaccinated at an early age. Distribution of immunizations and basic medicine such as antivirals or antibacterials is very difficult in developing countries because of the meager infrastructure in most of these countries. Hospitals may not efficient, and in several countries there is little to no government assistance in combating disease. Pneumonia is the leading cause of death worldwide for children under five, and strains of pneumonia can be treated with either vaccines or antibiotics quite simply. More than half the children in developing countries are not immunized, and that number can reach 70% in hard to reach areas.
Some quick facts:
- there has been recent polio outbreak in several countries in Africa.
- UNICEF is working with African governments to immunize 72 million children.
- In Haiti there have about 194,000 cases and 3889 deaths related to cholera
- In 2004 pneumonia accounted for 19% of child deaths under 5
- Also in 2004, diarrheal diseases (such as cholera) accounted for 17% of child deaths under 5
Here are some links to read more about vaccinations and immunizations:
http://www.unicef.org/publications/files/Progress_for_Children-No.9_EN_081710.pdf
http://www.unicef.org/emerg/pakistan_55580.html
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/10/28/130884642/why-the-cholera-vaccine-isn-t-the-answer-for-haiti
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