Subscribe
Important news on global vaccines – and how you can act now! 
I’m writing right now with some important news:
Last week, over 3,000 people met for the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, where it adopted two measures to improve the health of children around the world. One, the Global Vaccine Action Plan, has the potential to save over 20 million lives by 2020 by ensuring that every child enjoys the full benefits of immunization, as well as providing a map for the eradication of measles and the creation of vital new vaccines. The other resolution passed declares the eradication of polio an “emergency,” because despite great progress in reducing polio by 99 percent, the global community has not been able to eradicate the disease once and for all.
On June 14, leaders from around the world will attend the Child Survival Call to Action in Washington, D.C., to identify the smart investments that can be made to end preventable child deaths. New innovations in health – including vaccines against pneumonia and diarrhea – and renewed commitment from countries like Nigeria and India where these deaths occur mean that ending preventable childhood deaths is finally an achievable goal.
What you can do?
Write a letter to the editor of your local paper, using one or both of these big events as a hook. Explain why now is a critical time for children around the world, why global vaccines are so important, and why this should matter to people in your area.
How a Letter to the Editor helps:
- We will send a copy to your Members of Congress – a letter in their home paper sends a clear message that their constituents care about this issue and will be watching how they vote!
- Educating the staff at the newspaper about this issue may make them more likely to cover it in the future.
- Newspapers get the word out to a large, diverse audience that can then learn more – and take action!
Remember: Use the tools available in the Shot@Life Activity Guide! You’ll even find sample letters to the editor to give you a head start. Keep your letter under 250 words, and include your name, address, and a sentence about yourself – including that you are a Champion for the UN Foundation’s Shot@Life Campaign.
I’m looking forward to reading your letters! Thank you!
Caroline
