Publication

Vaccine-preventable disease and the under-utilization of immunizations in complex humanitarian emergencies.

Authored by:

Close, R.M., Pearson, C., Cohn J.

Full Citation:

Close, R.M., Pearson, C., Cohn J. 2016. Vaccine-preventable disease and the under-utilization of immunizations in complex humanitarian emergencies.. Vaccine. 34(39).

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Additional key concepts from this publication:

Immunizing populations during complex humanitarian emergencies can help protect populations who are especially vulnerable to malnutrition and its effects.

Key Evidence: Malnutrition is a leading contributor to morbidity and mortality during humanitarian emergencies, and a cyclical relationship exists between malnutrition and infectious diseases. Universal immunization programs have been shown to improve the height and weight measurement markers associated with malnutrition.

Children living in humanitarian crisis settings can be protected from the disproportionately high burden of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Key Evidence: Respiratory infections and diarrhea are the leading causes of death during humanitarian emergencies according to a 2016 review of vaccine-preventable diseases and the use of immunizations during complex humanitarian emergencies.