Emergency Vaccines Cut Infectious Disease Deaths 60% Across 49 Countries Since 2000

A comprehensive study by the Burnet Institute and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, analyzing 210 outbreaks of five infectious diseases across 49 lower-income countries between 2000 and 2023, reveals that emergency vaccination efforts have reduced cases and deaths by nearly 60% on average. For diseases such as yellow fever and Ebola, emergency vaccination decreased deaths by 99% and 76% respectively, demonstrating the critical role of rapid vaccine deployment in outbreak control. These vaccination campaigns have prevented over 5.8 million cases and 327,000 deaths, with estimated economic benefits of approximately $32 billion, underscoring vaccines' value as both a health and economic investment. The study highlights the importance of maintaining strong routine immunization coverage and quick outbreak responses to minimize health impacts, especially amid declining routine vaccine coverage and funding challenges. Gavi-funded global vaccine stockpiles and coordinated international efforts ensure timely access to vaccines in lower-income countries, serving as an essential insurance policy against large-scale outbreaks. Researchers emphasize that while preventive vaccination is vital, reactive vaccination campaigns are equally effective in controlling outbreaks and saving lives.