Strengthening Immunization Systems

An estimated 130 million infants are born around the world each year. Protecting these newborns from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) requires an organized, accessible, and well-functioning immunization program.

Why it Matters

We Need to Reach Every Child

Immunization programs often serve as the entry point for primary health care in many countries, often providing the only access to mothers and young children on a regular basis. However, immunization programs in resource-poor countries are faced with many barriers to success, including: shortages of trained staff and supervisors, vaccines, and reliable power supply. The result? Each year about 21.8 million children miss necessary vaccines, leaving them vulnerable to disability and death from serious infectious diseases. If vaccination programs do not reach these children, they are also unlikely to receive other needed health services.

CDC works to strengthen immunization systems by partnering with countries to provide evidence-based technical knowledge to strengthen and expand the routine delivery of immunizations. Our field stories show how we achieve our goals and how important it is to reach every child.