The study, published in early July in the journal BMJ Global Health, is based on estimates from 210 outbreaks in low- and middle-income countries. Data was collected from 2000 to 2023 in 49 different countries, with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Thanks to vaccines, the total number of infections also decreased by almost 60%. In terms of economic benefits, vaccination programs are estimated to have saved 32 billion USD by preventing deaths and permanent disabilities caused by diseases. According to the research team, this may be a conservative estimate, as it doesn't account for the costs of responding to wider outbreaks or the economic disruption caused by pandemics.

Children receive vaccinations. Photo: Vecteezy

Children receive vaccinations. Photo: Vecteezy

"The research clearly demonstrates the power of vaccines as a cost-effective response to the increasing threat of disease outbreaks," said Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi.

This new research comes as many countries are cutting their vaccination budgets. For example, the US has drastically reduced its funding to Gavi by 880 million USD, impacting vaccinations for 75 million children in low-income countries. The UK has also reduced its Gavi funding by around 400 million GBP, only pledging 1.25 billion GBP (approximately 1.6 billion USD).

In April, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that global health budget cuts are leading to a resurgence of disease outbreaks previously eradicated by vaccines. As a result, Unicef, WHO, and their partners are urging parents and politicians to support vaccination programs and ensure long-term investment in vaccines and public health systems.

Chi Le (According to BBC, WHO)