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. 2020 Jun 2;16(6):1454-1463.
doi: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1688043. Epub 2019 Dec 6.

Armed conflict, a neglected determinant of childhood vaccination: some children are left behind

Ngo Valery Ngo  1 , Ngambouk Vitalis Pemunta  1 , Nyenkuna Elisabeth Muluh  2 , Miranda Adedze  1 , Nduma Basil  3 , Simon Agwale  4
Affiliations

Armed conflict, a neglected determinant of childhood vaccination: some children are left behind

Ngo Valery Ngo et al. Hum Vaccin Immunother. .

Abstract

Vaccination is an indisputable intervention that has tremendously mitigated the global burden of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). The number of armed conflicts globally seems to be at an all-time high, with devastating effects on vaccination coverage. This paper will examine how armed conflicts affect childhood vaccination and lead to the reemergence and spread of VPDs. Unarguably, socioeconomic factors, population demographics, the apparent long vaccination timetable, multiple vaccine doses, lack of trust in vaccination processes and the rumor of the adverse effects of some vaccines unnerve some parents and create a puzzle. By bringing under the global floodlight, the impact of armed conflicts which contextually affect vaccination coverage, this article will help strengthen the advocacy for vaccination, and call for the fortification of existing treaties on the rule of engagement during conflicts. In order to eliminate or eradicate VPDs, strategies to reach children that are left behind during conflicts is paramount.

Keywords: Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization (GAVI); Vaccination; benefits; conflicts; determinants; immunization; leave no child behind; vaccine prventable diseases (VPDs).

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
A vicious cycle of economic and health benefits of vaccination.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Countries with ongoing armed conflicts classified based on the number of deaths in current or past years.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Charred remains of the Muyuka District Hospital burnt in the Southwest region of Cameroon.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Destruction of ambulance in Gaza during the conflict.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Families with children living in the forest (Cameroon) following what is regarded as anglophone crises (conflict).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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