Sacha Deshmukh, Executive Director of Unicef UK, said:
“Vaccines save lives – yet even before this pandemic, children globally weren’t receiving critical vaccinations. The coronavirus crisis is now threatening their access to immunisation further, putting millions more children at risk of deadly diseases like measles. In the UK, vaccination rates had already fallen before the pandemic, with restrictions to movement and accessing health services now posing the threat of a measles outbreak.
“With World Immunisation Week starting today (24 April), it is more vital than ever that the UK government continues to show global leadership on vaccines by committing to a fully funded GAVI. The Vaccine Alliance plays a crucial role in promoting immunisation and strengthening health systems in poor countries and will play a vital role in the delivery of a coronavirus vaccine once it is developed. This will ensure no child is denied their right to survive and thrive during this crisis and into the future.”
ENDS
Note to editors:
Spokespeople available for interview.
For more information, please contact:
Yemi Lufadeju, E: [email protected] T: + 44 073 9101 7115
Unicef UK Media Team, E: [email protected] T: 0207 375 6030
About Unicef
Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK.
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