Devex: Tackling the world’s deadliest childhood disease
Anuradha Gupta, deputy CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

“…Increasing access to vaccines against childhood killers like pneumonia will increase protection rates in the world’s poorest countries and will, in turn, avert billions of dollars in treatment costs and productivity losses. … Immunization often acts as a powerful platform to offer an integrated bouquet of primary health care services, in particular for women and children. … This idea of bringing together critical health services and interventions to create the healthiest possible environments for children is not new, but it is urgently needed in many parts of the world. … The benefits of integrated health systems and pneumonia immunization are clear: healthier children and families, better education outcomes for vaccinated children, lower health care costs, increased productivity, stronger economies, and thriving communities…” (11/11).