Reacción a "Reaction: WHO and UNICEF data show global drop in childhood vaccination rates"

The covid-19 pandemic has been a challenge in our recent history, with the highest rate of infection by a virus and its variants known so far. International mobilization, the development of vaccines in record time for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, antivirals and better management of seriously ill patients has meant that industrialized countries are returning to a certain degree of normality, with more controlled hospital admissions and, above all, a reduction in the number of seriously ill patients and deaths. 

But there are very serious collateral effects of the pandemic that are not so evident. This, together with other factors, is leading to children in many countries not receiving vaccines that can protect them from very serious diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and other pathogens. This situation is becoming critical in some countries, with a significant decline in the number of children vaccinated despite the availability of vaccines. 

This drop in prevention can have fatal consequences, with an increase in illnesses in children with important sequelae or even death, which could be avoided with the use of vaccines. 

The World Health Organization and UNICEF are calling on the international community to coordinate their efforts, funding and whatever else is necessary to vaccinate all children in need. 

Vaccination, along with hygiene and antibiotics, are the measures that save the most lives every year. We have in our hands the most effective and cheapest solution to improve the health of millions of children.