General information
Over the past 20 years, immunization has prevented approximately 20 million deaths from vaccine-preventable infections. Without vaccines, disease would become more rampant, the public health system would be overburdened with treatment costs, and deaths—particularly in children—would increase dramatically. Immunization is a valuable tool in protecting health, enhancing economic security and political stability, and improving health systems.
View resources on general information
Key resources
Global Immunization Strategy (2008)
A report that provides the global immunization strategy from the 61st World Health Assembly.
Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries, Second Edition (2008)
A comprehensive global health examination that provides a multidisciplinary understanding of fundamental issues and challenges, as well as effective interventions, for the range of communicable and noncommunicable diseases and conditions and risk factors.
State of the World's Vaccines and Immunization, Third Edition (2009)
The World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the World Bank examine progress made in global immunization, the pitfalls facing immunization, and the promise of future vaccines.
Featured PATH resources
Building the Future of Immunization (2002)
A report that summarizes the objectives of PATH's Children's Vaccine Program and highlights activities in several countries aimed at increasing access to lifesaving vaccines.
Understanding Vaccines (2008)
A fact sheet
on understanding vaccines describes how vaccines work and lists the different types of vaccines.
Page last updated: May 2010.
