Report on Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and the Importance of Immunization in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Historically, before the widespread adoption of vaccination, infectious diseases caused significant child mortality and lifelong health complications in the United States. Over the past century, vaccines have dramatically reduced diseases such as polio and measles, contributing to improved public health and well-being. However, recent declines in immunization rates due to vaccine hesitancy threaten these gains, posing challenges to global health targets aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Impact of Vaccine Hesitancy on Public Health

Vaccine hesitancy has led to the resurgence of preventable contagious diseases. This trend undermines efforts to achieve SDG 3 by increasing morbidity and mortality rates. Public mistrust, sometimes fueled by misinformation and skepticism even among officials, jeopardizes herd immunity and community protection.

Case Studies Highlighting the Consequences of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

1. Congenital Rubella Syndrome and Maternal Health

   Janith Farnham’s daughter, Jacque, was born with congenital rubella syndrome due to maternal infection during pregnancy before the rubella vaccine was available. Jacque’s lifelong disabilities, including hearing, eye, and heart problems, exemplify the critical importance of vaccination in protecting maternal and child health, directly supporting SDG 3 and SDG 5: Gender Equality by safeguarding women’s health.

2. Fatal Consequences of Delayed Vaccination

   Patricia Tobin recounts the tragic death of her sister Karen from measles encephalitis in 1970, a preventable outcome had timely vaccination been administered. This case underscores the necessity of maintaining high immunization coverage to prevent outbreaks and protect children, aligning with SDG 3’s target to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age.

3. Long-Term Effects of Polio

   Lora Duguay’s experience with polio and subsequent post-polio syndrome highlights the long-term disabilities that vaccine-preventable diseases can cause. The success of polio vaccination programs in eliminating the disease in the U.S. demonstrates progress towards SDG 3 by reducing disease burden and promoting healthy lives.

4. Protecting the Vulnerable: Whooping Cough Case

   Katie Van Tornhout’s loss of her infant daughter to whooping cough, a disease preventable by vaccination, illustrates the risk unvaccinated individuals pose to vulnerable populations. This case advocates for adult immunization and community responsibility, reinforcing SDG 3’s emphasis on universal health coverage and protection against communicable diseases.

Key Challenges and Recommendations

• Challenge: Declining vaccination rates due to hesitancy and misinformation.
• Challenge: Insufficient public awareness of the severity of vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Recommendation: Strengthen public health education campaigns to increase vaccine confidence and uptake.
• Recommendation: Implement policies to maintain or increase vaccination coverage to meet or exceed the 95% threshold necessary for herd immunity.
• Recommendation: Support research and transparent communication to counteract misinformation and build trust in vaccines.
• Recommendation: Promote vaccination as a critical component of achieving SDG 3 and related goals.

Conclusion

The resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases threatens decades of public health progress and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Ensuring high vaccination coverage is essential to protect individuals and communities, reduce health disparities, and promote sustainable development. Coordinated efforts involving education, policy, and community engagement are vital to overcoming vaccine hesitancy and safeguarding global health.

Source: Associated Press Health and Science Department, supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on vaccination, prevention of infectious diseases, and reducing child mortality, all central to SDG 3.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • References to school vaccination requirements and exemptions connect to ensuring healthy learning environments.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Implied in the discussion about vulnerable populations (e.g., infants too young for vaccines) and the need to protect them.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.3: End the epidemics of communicable diseases including measles, polio, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and vaccines.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are safe, inclusive, and effective, which includes health and safety measures like vaccination requirements for school attendance.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, including vulnerable groups such as infants and immunocompromised individuals.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Vaccination Coverage Rates
   • The article mentions the 95% vaccination threshold for kindergartners needed to protect communities against measles outbreaks, implying the indicator: Proportion of children vaccinated with recommended vaccines by age 1 or at school entry.
2. Incidence and Mortality Rates of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
   • References to outbreaks and deaths from measles, polio, rubella, and whooping cough imply indicators measuring incidence and mortality rates from these diseases.
3. Exemption Rates from Vaccination Requirements
   • The article discusses increasing use of exemptions, implying an indicator on the proportion of children exempted from vaccination requirements.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: channel3000.com