Unicef Goodwill Ambassador Liam Neeson on Sunday called for greater investment in vaccinating children globally.
He also thanked the scientists, parents, health workers and others who have helped to immunize children over the last two decades, says a press release.
In a video released ahead of World Immunization Week, Neeson talked about how the efforts of scientists such as Jonas Salk, who developed the first vaccine against polio, and dedicated workers who fill vials at factories or deliver vaccine injections, have made it possible to save two to three million child lives each year.
“Vaccines are a remarkable human success story. Over last the 75 years, billions of children have been vaccinated. If you’ve ever been vaccinated or vaccinated your children, then you are part of the arm-to-arm chain that keeps all humanity safe,” he said.
According to Unicef, despite the successes, an alarming 23 million children missed out on vaccinations in 2020.
The Unicef ambassador stressed that this number can only be reduced through a greater commitment to and investment in immunization services.
Meanwhile, Unicef Executive Director Catherine Russell said that the last two years have taught us that a healthcare system that leaves some children exposed, is a health care system that leaves all children exposed.
“The best way for the world to recover from this pandemic and to prepare for future health emergencies is to invest in stronger health systems, and immunization and essential health services for every child,” she added.