shots as shields: immunization and war

War is a tragedy. Too many civilian lives – especially children – are taken, and not just by bullets and bombs, but through their devastating ripple effects. Most civilian casualties in conflict zones are actually caused by the collapse of healthcare, food systems, and basic living conditions, which create breeding grounds for deadly diseases.

war and disease: a perfect storm

The destruction of health facilities, the displacement of populations, and the disruption of essential services leave communities vulnerable to poor water quality, sanitation, and healthcare services. This in turn increases the risk of diseases like measles, cholera, and polio.

The good news is that many illnesses can be prevented by vaccines. The bad news is that these shots have to reach the children in these conflict zones. Decreased access, damaged health infrastructure, and disruptions in routine immunization services leave children unprotected against preventable diseases.

Sudan is a striking example. National vaccination coverage has dropped dramatically from 85% before the war to about 50% now, with rates averaging 30% in active conflict zones and falling to just 8% in South Darfur.

We must urgently restore access to vaccines in Sudan and prevent the backsliding of immunization coverage in all conflict zones.

vaccines as shields

Immunization is one of the best tools at our disposal in the fight against deadly diseases, especially in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

Ensuring that we #ReachEveryChild with routine vaccines against diseases like measles, cholera, and polio, and supporting the development and roll-out of new vaccines for deadly diseases like tuberculosis is critical. These efforts make a significant contribution to reducing outbreaks and deaths indirectly caused by conflict.

hope and solutions: Gavi and the GPEI

Organizations like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) are working tirelessly to deliver vaccines to children in the most challenging circumstances.

By 2030, Gavi is committed to vaccinating 500 million children, including those living in fragile and conflict-affected countries. This will prevent up to 9 million deaths by improving access to existing vaccines and fostering the delivery of new vaccines. Gavi will also work with countries to reduce costs of vaccines and generate US$ 100 billion in economic benefits for their population.

The GPEI’s goal is simple: eradicate polio. And this is reachable if they are funded to continue their work. Since its foundation, the GPEI has helped vaccinate 3 billion children, and today, 90% of the world's population lives in polio-free zones. Only Afghanistan and Pakistan still see regular cases, often in regions experiencing political instability or conflict. With focused effort, adequate resources and strong political will, we can see an end to this deadly disease.

Canada's role: a call to action

In a world marked by increasing conflict, protecting the health of children is more important than ever and Canada has a vital role to play in this global effort.

By supporting Gavi and the GPEI, we can help to save countless lives and build a healthier, more resilient world. We call on the Canadian government to invest in the future by pledging at least $CAD 720 million to Gavi's 2026-2030 Strategy and $CAD 150 million over three years to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

By prioritizing immunization and supporting organizations like Gavi and the GPEI, we can turn the tide against disease and create a brighter future for generations to come. You can help make this happen. Join us in calling on Canada to invest in a healthier world #ForOurFuture. Learn more here.

Let's make vaccines a symbol of hope, not a casualty of war.