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WHO/Europe’s goal is to reach and maintain high levels of child immunization, particularly in vulnerable groups, at the appropriate ages and recommended doses. To achieve this goal, WHO/Europe works with Member States, international organizations and bilateral agencies to help countries strengthen their programmes for the control of infectious diseases. Current major initiatives include:

• promoting safe immunization practices;
• introducing new and underused antigens;
• eliminating measles, linked to accelerated prevention of congenital rubella infection; and
• maintaining the poliomyelitis-free status of the European Region.

In the 21st century, every child has the right to live free from vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective health interventions available, saving millions of people from illness, disability and death each year. Effective and safe vaccines, which protect against more than 20 serious diseases, are available and many promising new vaccines are being developed.

Even though today’s vaccines are safe and effective, vaccine-preventable diseases still pose significant threats in the WHO European Region. Consequently, strengthening immunization remains vital. Well-functioning immunization systems are essential to achieve Millennium Development Goals 4 and 6 – reducing child mortality and major diseases – to which WHO and its Member States are fully committed.