SaveTheChildren 65d ago

As part of World Immunisation Week, global health expert Rathi Guhadasan explains why childhood immunisation is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect children, both in the UK and around the world. From rising measles cases in the UK to millions of “zero-dose” children who have never received a single vaccine, this conversation explores why immunisation matters globally, how falling vaccination rates put all children at risk, and what parents need to know to make informed decisions. Drawing on her past experience as a clinician and now as Global Health Policy Advisor at Save the Children UK, Rathi shares frontline insights into vaccine-preventable diseases, addresses common concerns about vaccine safety and natural immunity, and explains why access, not just awareness, is one of the biggest barriers to protecting children worldwide. Whether you're a parent looking for trusted information about vaccines, or want to understand why global immunisation affects your family too, this is essential viewing. —— Video Chapters —— 00:28 - Working in Child Health 03:17 - Barriers to Healthcare Around the World 05:15 - Why Parents Question Vaccines 07:31 - Common misconceptions about vaccines 09:38 - Who Are “Zero Dose” Children? 11:22 - How Vaccines Strengthen Health Systems 13:00 - A Critical Moment for Global Immunisation ————— Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases like measles and tetanus. But around the world and even here in the UK, vaccination rates are falling. This has led to the return of diseases we once thought were under control, putting children at risk. At the same time, cuts to international aid are threatening global vaccination programmes, putting millions of the most vulnerable children in danger. Understanding how far we’ve come, and what’s at stake if we go backwards, has never been more important. 📢 Check what Save the Children is doing around the world to make sure every child is protected against preventable diseases - https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/what-we-do/health/vaccines-immunisation —— In Their Words is a new series from Save the Children UK, where we interview experts to bring you deeper insights into the issues that shape children’s lives, and how we can work together to create change.