Fight against infectious diseases with vaccination

Vaccines are among the most effective tools in combating infectious diseases, which pose significant threats to public health. The COVID-19 pandemic vividly demonstrated the importance of vaccines in controlling the spread of viruses and preventing severe illness. Vaccination is crucial for improving life expectancy, enhancing public health, and supporting social and economic development worldwide.
Currently, the Mpox virus has spread in several countries neighbouring Myanmar, including India, Thailand, and Singapore. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of late August 2024, more than 100,000 people have tested positive for Mpox, with over 220 deaths reported since January 2022. The availability of vaccines plays a critical role in controlling the spread of Mpox and treating infected individuals.
Historically, smallpox was one of the deadliest infectious diseases, especially in Europe, during the late 18th century. It claimed the lives of around 60 million people, many of whom were children. In 1796, Edward Jenner, a rural English surgeon, pioneered the smallpox vaccine, saving countless lives. As a result of widespread vaccination efforts, the WHO declared smallpox eradicated in 1980.
However, despite the eradication of smallpox, a related virus, mpox, emerged 40 years later. Mpox is found in the tropical rainforests of Central and Western Africa and occasionally spreads to other regions. WHO has acknowledged that many smallpox vaccines can be used to some extent to prevent and control Mpox outbreaks.
Today, over 20 vaccines are available worldwide to prevent and control life-threatening diseases. Vaccination programmes save approximately five million lives annually by preventing illnesses such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, influenza, dengue fever, and measles. Additionally, vaccines have been instrumental in mitigating the global impact of COVID-19, protecting millions of people from severe illness and death.
In Myanmar, the Ministry of Health is actively involved in vaccination campaigns to combat various infectious diseases. The ongoing efforts to vaccinate the population are critical in preventing outbreaks and ensuring public health. As the fight against contagious diseases continues, vaccines remain a cornerstone of global health initiatives, providing a powerful defence against both known and emerging threats.
In fact, the vaccination aims to reduce the fatality rate based on infectious diseases and prevent infection of diseases. Vaccination is a single way to escape from the possible impacts of infectious diseases. So, it is important to provide relevant vaccines to all global countries so that they are able to fight against the danger of Mpox in a timely manner, similar to COVID-19.