While at times we can feel overwhelmed by all the bad news, so many unknown candles are fighting the darkness. While media focuses elsewhere, critical health measures are succeeding around the world.
Since its inception in 2000, the International Vaccine Alliance GAVI has helped vaccinate more than half the world's children, reducing vaccine-preventable deaths by a staggering 70% in partner countries. In 1980 child mortality for children under five was 250 deaths per thousand live births, These days it's about 50.
We can keep the good news coming. The next round of funding for GAVI approaches and Canada's share is $720 million, and it's critical the federal government steps up with its share of funding. Over half a billion children will be vaccinated in this next round. A half a billion candles to light the darkness.
Nathaniel Poole
Victoria
