World: For every generation, vaccines work – but progress must be protected in the Western Pacific

Country: World Source: World Health Organization During World Immunization Week, WHO warns of the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases threatening the Region. MANILA, Philippines, 24 April 2026 – As the world marks World Immunization Week 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for renewed efforts across the Western Pacific Region and globally to protect immunization gains, reach children still being missed, and sustain confidence in vaccines at every stage of life. This year’s global theme – “For every generation, vaccines work” – highlights how vaccines have protected people, families and communities for generations, and continue to safeguard lives today. Since 1974, vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives globally, including an estimated 18. 3 million in the Western Pacific. Yet in 2024, nearly 20 million children worldwide – 2. 1 million of them in the Western Pacific – missed at least one vaccine dose, leaving far too many at risk of preventable disease. Across the Western Pacific Region, with 2. 2 billion people representing over a quarter of the world’s population, countries have made major gains against vaccine-preventable diseases. But those gains remain fragile. The resurgence of measles – one of the most contagious diseases – in multiple settings is a reminder that when immunization coverage slips, diseases can return quickly. Community-wide vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles outbreaks, yet global and regional coverage remains below the 95% needed in every community to stop transmission. Another reminder of the crucial role immunization plays in protecting infants and children are recent polio events in a number of countries, necessitating catch-up polio immunization drives to ensure the Region retains its overall polio-free status. The Region’s priorities remain clear: reaching zero-dose children, sustaining progress towards polio eradication, strengthening efforts to control and eliminate measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases, and expanding immunization across the life course – from infancy and childhood to adolescence, adulthood and older age. Strengthening vaccine confidence amid misinformation and disinformation WHO’s global campaign also emphasizes the need to support families and individuals with clear, accurate information so they can make informed decisions about vaccination in the face of mounting misinformation and disinformation often spread across social media and other online platforms. “Vaccines are a miracle of science and medicine – and they have protected generations of families and communities across our Region. But we cannot take this protection for granted, ” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “When children are still being missed, and when diseases like measles can return where immunity gaps persist, it is a reminder that progress must be protected. World Immunization Week is a call to act – to reach those left behind, to strengthen trust in science and to keep immunization strong for every generation. ” World Immunization Week, observed from 24 to 30 April each year, aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. In 2026, the campaign encourages governments, health workers, partners, communities and families to help close immunization gaps, strengthen confidence in vaccines, and check vaccination records so missed doses can be caught up. In the Western Pacific, WHO is working with governments and partners to strengthen immunization services, improve access for underserved populations and support countries in responding to current and emerging risks. WHO is also working to ensure that immunization remains central to broader efforts to build resilient health systems and protect health across the life course. “Vaccines save lives, it’s that simple. This World Immunization Week, WHO calls on families to check their vaccination records, on communities to rely on trusted health information grounded in science, and on countries to keep immunization high on the agenda, ” said Dr Huong Tran, Director of the Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control in the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific. “Political leadership at the highest levels must commit to investing in policies and taking decisions aimed at protecting every generation, ultimately making sure no one is left behind. ”

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