World losing the war on virulent, preventable childhood diseases

Since June 2009, more than 30 African countries have experienced measles outbreaks resulting in more than 89,000 cases and 1400 deaths.

WHO estimates that the combined effect of decreased financial and political commitment may result in a return to over 500,000 measles deaths a year by 2013, erasing progress achieved over the past 18 years. Why is this?

First, prevention is invisible. When immunisation is successful, nothing happens. In contrast, disease is highly visible and demands attention.

Second, the global economy and many individual developing country economies are in deep distress. This lessens the likelihood they will invest in low visibility activities despite very high returns.

Third, there is both donor and recipient fatigue. Donors are tired of being asked to give more even though gains are measurable, while recipients often get tired of having to ask for more.

What needs to be done to save more children? We need a balanced immunisation investment strategy that reinforces routine immunisation, achieves existing initiatives to eradicate polio and reduce measles deaths by 95 per cent.

Mr Jimmy Carter is a former US president, while Mr Kofi Annan is a former UN secretary-general.