Each of us has the ability to have a tangible impact on the life of a child and their community. Equitable Access to Vaccines is a Basic Human Right
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states,“Life, survival, maximum development, access to health and access to health services are not just basic needs of children and adolescents, but fundamental human rights.”
We at Vaccine Ambassadors s
hare this truth. When vaccine access is regarded as a “right” of each person rather than a “handout,” we move away from a charity mentality towards a universal health priority. Vaccines must be accessible to all, not just those who can afford it or are easy to reach. We must go the distance to ensure that all people have the ability to exercise their right to this life-saving technology. Each year, over 1.5 million children under the age of five die from diseases that can be easily prevented with common vaccines. Over 90% of these children live in areas of the world with limited or no routine health care or supportive medical services. Other factors such as malnutrition and unclean water place these children at even higher risk for contracting and succumbing to diseases. Immunizations are one of the most cost-effective, life-saving healthcare services available, and are considered a basic healthcare measure for all children. The CDC estimates that immunizations have prevented 20 million deaths in the last two decades. Despite significant advances, vaccines that are routinely offered in the United States are not readily available to everyone in many parts of world.