Protecting with immunisation

Countries in Southeast Asia are going through unprecedented economic growth despite global economic uncertainties. To be able to maintain this upward trend countries need to secure the health of their citizens _ especially the children. A high under 5 mortality rate threatens the overall economic development in the Region. Approximately 10 million children in the World Health Organisation’s South-East Asia Region remain at risk from diseases like measles, diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus – all of which are vaccine preventable. So why is Southeast Asia leaving so many children behind? Even in countries with over 80-90% immunisation coverage the challenge is equity. Children who are outside the vaccine protective shelter are often poor and marginalised. These children are vulnerable to diseases because of malnutrition, unhygienic living conditions, poor water quality etc. Once sick, healthcare costs further impoverish their families. Parents who are day workers need to look after ailing children while...