World Immunization Week (24-30 April) is run by the World Health Organization to promote the use of vaccines to protect people against disease. Immunization is one of the best public health tools that we have. It saves millions of lives every year, is cost-effective, and fights against poverty. This is why Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is so important, especially in this time of crisis. Vaccines will, of course, be vital in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. As the most...
Since the start of the year, we have been advocating for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to make sure that people everywhere can access the vaccinations they need to live healthy lives. Now, with COVID-19 impacting nearly every country on the planet, Gavi’s work has never been more important. “As has become brutally clear in recent months, this disease doesn’t respect borders, which is why it will take a truly global response to defeat it. … Routine immunisation against other deadly...
There isn’t a place in the world yet to be touched by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the global health community works together to find a vaccine, we’re reminded of just how integral routine immunisations are to transforming the health of people and communities everywhere. Right now, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is calling on world leaders and donors to help it continue its lifesaving work protecting communities from deadly diseases, like measles and polio, and fight the spread of COVID-19. When...
The world has made massive strides in ending extreme poverty over the past two decades. Since 2000, over a billion people have escaped extreme poverty. At that rate, the global goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030 could be possible. But the problem is far from solved. Today, 592 million people worldwide are living on under US$1.90 a day. While extreme poverty is decreasing on the whole, more people are entering extreme poverty in the countries most affected by poverty....
Jef Vanhamel is a medical doctor and ONE Youth Ambassador in Belgium. The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the lives of billions of people worldwide. The rapid spread of the new virus has caused devastating health effects. In addition, the measures taken to contain its spread are severely affecting the global economy and our daily lives. Because this crisis is so deeply rooted in almost every aspect of life, it is also painfully exposing and exacerbating the existent inequalities on multiple levels...
Dear G20 Finance Ministers, It’s been over three months since the first COVID-19 case was reported in China. Since then, the health, economic, and geopolitical impacts of the pandemic have brought the world to a standstill. Two weeks ago, leaders pledged to do “whatever it takes” to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. As we await to see your action plan ahead of the next G20 financing meeting on 15 April, it’s imperative that you spell out your commitments to the most vulnerable...
COVID-19 is impacting our lives, our communities, and our economies. While the virus is affecting everyone, it will have the most significant impact on those most vulnerable, whether they live across the street or across the ocean. Viruses don’t pay attention to borders — and neither can the world’s response plan. We need to mobilise resources for a humanitarian response not seen in decades. We need to make sure that new medicines and a vaccine, once available, are distributed equitably....
Podcasts have exploded into popularity in recent years. In fact, there’s over 800,000 podcasts out there, and about 62 million listeners in the U.S. every week. Whether you’re a long-time listener or looking for a place to start, we’ve got a great list of podcast episodes for you. As a bonus, each one of the episodes listed below covers an important issue, so you can learn something new while you listen. Cry Power The Cry Power podcast — hosted by artist Hozier...
A video was recently circulated showing people in overcrowded slums in Lagos, Nigeria resisting lockdown. In the video, people expressed their dissatisfaction with the lockdown, citing their inability to meet their food and energy needs as a major concern. In Kenya, commuters at a ferry received a bout of tear gas as the police tried to disperse a crowd of ferry commuters in Mombasa trying to escape the impending curfew the next day. We should expect to see more of...
If you’re an activist staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re probably looking for a way to continue your advocacy. Luckily, our Youth Ambassadors are here to give you advice on how to take action, brush up on some knowledge, and make the best out of being at home. Here’s some of our favourite pieces of advice from Youth Ambassadors: Francesca Memmi, UK, Youth Ambassador 2020 Let’s take this opportunity to use our voice for the most...