Every year, millions of children around the world don’t have access to vaccine programs that would protect them from disease.
Marked between 24th – 30th April annually, World Immunisation Week is a global campaign to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination against life-threatening, but preventable diseases.
In developed countries, vaccination levels are generally high, with children protected against diseases including polio, hepatitis B, whooping cough and measles.
In many developing communities, however, vaccinations aren’t always available or accessible, where they’re arguably needed the most.
Read on to learn more about World Immunisation Week, and why we believe it’s a hugely important global observance.
How does immunisation work?
Immunisation works on the principle of training the immune system to recognise and destroy viruses or bacteria. The immune system is prepared by introducing antigens from a virus to the body via an injection. This process triggers an immune response and the body fights off the antigens. Should the person contract the respective disease in future, the body will immediately recognise the antigens and destroy them.
When was World Immunisation Week established?
Originally, World Immunisation Week was celebrated on different dates around the world. It was only in 2012 that World Immunisation week was endorsed by the World Health Assembly and observed globally for the first time between 24 and 30 April in over 180 countries.
The observance coincides with World Malaria Day, which falls on 25 April.
Why is immunisation an important issue?
Immunisation is a proven and cost-effective health strategy that saves over 3 million lives every year, but it is estimated that around 20 million children continue to go without the vaccinations they need.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported in 2018 that 60% of these children live in developing countries, including the Philippines and Vietnam.
What is the theme for World Immunisation Week 2022?
The theme for the 2022 campaign is ‘Long Life for All, In Pursuit of a Life Well Lived’. The focus is to ensure that we are all protected against serious diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic is drawing significant attention to the issue of immunisation as the world works to roll out the vaccine. We can only expect the conversation to continue well after World Immunisation Week 2022 has passed.
Why get involved in World Immunisation Week?
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the impact a widespread contagion can have on any society, not only in developing countries. This means we should all be aware of and recognise the importance of immunising ourselves against preventable diseases, not only for our own health but so we don’t become carriers and transmit infectious diseases to others.
There has never been a more relevant time to get involved with World Immunisation Week.
World Tuberculosis Day is held annually on 24 of March to raise awareness and educate the public about the global impact of tuberculosis (TB). TB causes devastating health, social and economic consequences around the world, especially in countries like Papua New Guinea.
Haven’t heard of World Tuberculosis Day? Here’s our guide to what World TB Day is all about, and how you can educate yourself and help raise awareness about this life-threatening infectious disease.
Why do we celebrate World Tuberculosis Day?
March 24 is the anniversary of the day scientist Dr Robert Koch, discovered the cause of TB, the TB bacillus in 1882. This discovery was groundbreaking and led to the diagnosis and successful treatment of the disease.
A century later, the United Nations declared that this date would be commemorated as World Tuberculosis Day, to raise awareness and educate the public about the impact of tuberculosis.
What is tuberculosis (TB)?
TB is an infectious disease that attacks the lungs, however, it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, kidneys or spine. It is highly contagious and spreads from person to person through the air via coughs, sneezes, and when the bacteria is released into the air during conversation.
According to the World Health Organisation, a total of 1.5 million people died from TB in 2020 and it is one of the top ten causes of death around the world. Over 95% of cases and deaths occur in developing countries. The WHO also stated that worldwide, TB is the 13th leading cause of death and the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19 (above HIV/AIDS).
Although a preventable and curable disease, TB is a major cause of illness and death for children in developing countries, where providing treatment is challenging, particularly in remote communities.
What is the theme for World Tuberculosis Day 2024?
The theme for 2024’s World TB Day is ‘Yes! We can end TB’. This theme raises awareness of the urgent need to invest resources to fight TB and ultimately ramp up the efforts to eliminate the disease.
How you can make an impact on World Tuberculosis Day 2024
If you would like to get involved and make a difference this World TB Day, here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Spread awareness and start a conversation on social media
To spread awareness about World Tuberculosis Day, one of the best ways is to share relevant information on your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts.
We suggest sharing statistics on TB, tuberculosis stories, educational resources or other communication materials that can help to raise awareness of this global disease. You can use the hashtags #WorldTBDay and #ItsTimeToEndTB to spark a conversation.
2. Educate yourself about tuberculosis
World Tuberculosis Day is the perfect time to learn more about the impact of TB around the world. Visit the official World Tuberculosis Day 2024 page to learn more about the event. There are also a number of resources, stories and videos you can watch on the internet to learn more about TB and its impact.
3. Donate to provide access to treatment
If you want to make a difference and save a child in need, donate to programs that support children living in rural areas of developing countries. You can help them access adequate healthcare and prevent further TB transmissions.
Through ChildFund Australia you can donate a Handwashing Station to a community in need, helping to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
Support World Tuberculosis Day
Support World Tuberculosis Day this year and make a difference in the lives of children impacted by the disease.
We believe all children should have the right to adequate healthcare. By spreading awareness, educating yourself or making a donation, you will be helping to combat this disease by improving access to healthcare to reduce the impact TB has on children in developing countries.
