22 April 2016: In advance of World Immunization Week, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) highlighted the linkage between areas of conflict and the incidence of un-immunized children. Stressing that “conflict creates an ideal environment for disease outbreaks,” UNICEF outlined efforts to vaccinate children in conflict areas.

Nearly two-thirds of children who have not received basic immunizations live in countries that are either entirely or partially affected by conflict, according to UNICEF. South Sudan has the highest number of unvaccinated children, with 61% of children not receiving the most basic childhood vaccines, followed by Somalia and Syria, with 58 and 57%, respectively. In 2010, prior to the conflict in Syria, immunization levels were over 80%; by 2014, only 43% of children had received basic immunizations, and polio had resurfaced in the country.

In areas experiencing conflicts or emergencies, the breakdown or deliberate destruction of health services means that children miss basic immunizations or are prevented from reaching medical services, according to UNICEF. Further, children in conflict areas have worse outcomes when they do contract diseases because of compounding factors like the absence of basic necessities like food, water and shelter, which also make children more vulnerable to disease. For example, less than 1% of children with measles in a non-conflict area die, while up to 30% of children with measles die in a conflict area, UNICEF reports.

“Children affected by conflict are pushed into a downward spiral of deprivation that robs them of their health and, by extension, their futures. Vaccination can help to break this vicious cycle,” said Robin Nandy, UNICEF. Nandy described immunization as a vital service that deserves protection from all parties to a conflict.

UNICEF also showcased how its immunization programs can help revive other health and nutrition services in conflict areas, such as by restarting the “cold chain” for vaccines and other essential medicines, and training health workers to provide immunizations and medical treatment for women and children.

World Immunization Week, which runs from 24-30 April, is observed annually to promote the use of life-saving vaccines for all children, particularly those who are excluded.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) addresses vaccination in Target 3.8, to “achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.” [UNICEF Press Release] [UN Press Release] [World Immunization Week Website]