3 Takeaways from UNGA80
From the spotlight on noncommunicable diseases to the push for sustaining our progress against polio, global health was of utmost importance at UNGA80. Keep on reading for our three takeaways from (and around) this year’s Assembly.
Statement on the New America First Global Health Strategy
Urgency and Resilience In Africa’s Mpox Response
A year after declaring mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the World Health Organization has removed the status as cases decrease overall. But the fight to contain the deadly virus is far from over.
Connect the Dots: Climate and Health
As the global climate crisis grows, its effects are becoming increasingly visible—not just through rising sea levels or extreme weather, but also in a more insidious form: the spread of infectious diseases.
Unpacking the Immunization Data of 2024
Just last week, WHO and UNICEF released their 2024 estimates of national immunization coverage. And this year's annual snapshot paints a clear picture: business as usual won’t be enough.
Funding Gavi’s Next 5 Years
Gavi’s high-level pledging summit, currently underway in Brussels, is a reminder that in an ever-uncertain global health landscape, immunization efforts remain steadfast.
The Silent Emergency of Rising Displacement
123.2 million people were forced to flee their home in 2024—that’s one in every 67 people on earth. This World Refugee Day, we are reminded of the urgent need to support forcibly displaced populations among surging conflict and health crises.
An Opportunity to Commit to Disease Elimination
The President's Budget Request for FY26 cuts overall global health spending while prioritizing polio and malaria. We can make historic progress against these diseases, but only if U.S. and multilateral programs are fully funded.
The 78th World Health Assembly
The World Health Assembly just wrapped and once again, it was a big year for immunization. Here’s what you need to know.
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This year’s UN General Assembly felt a little different than year’s past; annual conversations about global health were underpinned by continued uncertainty. But even in the face of these challenges, progress was made in addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues.
From the spotlight on noncommunicable diseases to the push for sustaining our progress against polio, global health was of utmost importance at #UNGA80.
Keep reading in our latest blog. #Linkinbio
Oct 3
Hospitals in Bangladesh are overwhelmed as dengue and chikungunya cases surge. 33,800 dengue cases alone this year, paired with the first surge in chikungunya since 2017, are a dual threat pushing health systems to the brink.
🦟 Both diseases are spread by the same mosquitoes and share similar symptoms, but treatments are very different. Misdiagnosis can be deadly.
Experts warn that overlapping outbreaks are generally becoming more frequent, driven by climate change, urbanization, and global travel.
Better surveillance, vaccines against dengue, and year-round mosquito control are crucial to tackle this growing crisis.
Oct 2
For nearly a decade, Rwanda had recorded steady declines in malaria.
But these gains are now under threat: in 2024 alone, malaria cases in Rwanda rose by more than 45%.
While Rwanda had previously opted out of receiving malaria vaccines during WHO`s and Gavi`s first distribution phase in 2023, health experts are now reconsidering—immunization could be key to bringing case counts back down.
Sep 30
We are SO back!
A warm welcome (back) to the recurring students in this year’s United to Beat Malaria and Shot@Life combined College Ambassador Program.
Swipe to learn more about Rani, Rutendo, Wajiha, Amy, Ameena, Ava, and Srihitha—all stellar advocates with a background in malaria, immunization, or broader global health.
Keep an eye out this year for content with all of our lovely ambassadors. 🌎🎓
Sep 26
It’s that time of the year again.
New back-to-school season = new College Ambassadors!
We are so excited to introduce the 2025-26 cohort of Global Health Advocacy College Ambassadors. Keep scrolling to learn a bit more about Rebecca, Simon, Mahabuba, and Yashaswi!
And stay tuned tomorrow for some familiar faces. 👀
NOTE that Rebecca’s last name is Fekru, not Fukru! We deeply apologize for the misspelling.
Sep 25
Pakistan has just received a 13 million-dose supply of the cervical cancer vaccine for its first EVER nationwide immunization drive against HPV, thanks to partners like Gavi and UNICEF.
Now, starting this week, 13 million girls across Pakistan will receive a dose of the HPV vaccine, protecting them from cervical cancer, which still takes the life of one woman every two minutes.
While executing the immunization drive will be no easy feat, Pakistan is now joining more than 150 countries that have included the WHO-prequalified vaccine in their Immunization schedules, safeguarding the health of future generations.
Sep 23
That’s a wrap on our 2025 virtual Summit!
In an increasingly challenging global health environment, it is crucial that we adapt to meet the moment. Thank you to our ever-inspiring Champions for your work to do so.
The time for action is NOW. Let’s #MobilizeToImmunize 💪
Sep 18
Just over a week ago, the World Health Organization declared that mpox is no longer classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). While global cases have declined since the PHEIC was first declared in 2024, ongoing outbreaks across Africa suggest the crisis is far from over.
But after a year of rapid response efforts, Africa is not fighting unprepared.
Read more in our latest blog. #linkinbio
Sep 15
Lately, it feels hard to keep up.
How to navigate misinformation, understanding rising issues like antimicrobial resistance, and even just learning the basics of taking action through advocacy can feel overwhelming.
That’s why, ahead of our quickly approaching #MobilizeToImmunize activation, we’ve built a resource library for you, our stellar advocates and supporters.
📌 Vaccines101
📌 Navigating misinformation
📌 Understanding AMR
📌 And more!
Use it. Share it. Power your advocacy efforts this fall. And don’t hesitate to let us know what you want added!
🔗 shotatlife.org/resources
Sep 11
Immunization may not as central to this year’s #UNGA80 discussions as in recent years, but health remains a critical part of the agenda.
This year’s High-Level Meetings in NYC will focus on noncommunicable diseases. And addressing #NCDs—like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses—requires integrated, preventive approaches that are closely linked with essential public health tools like immunization.
While vaccines are often associated with infectious disease control, they also play a pivotal role in reducing the burden of certain NCDs (for example, HPV and hepatitis B vaccines). Moreover, the infrastructure and trust built through immunization programs can strengthen the delivery of other health services, including those aimed at NCD prevention and care.
Health challenges do not exist in silos—and neither should our solutions.
Sep 9
When America helps fund immunization, medication, and malaria nets abroad, we’re not just lowering the risk of outbreaks that could hit us at home—we’re helping to ensure that children everywhere have the chance to grow up healthy.
College Ambassador Rani Chor spent this summer witnessing global health funding in action at Angkor Hospital for Children in Cambodia.
Empowering doctors, nurses, and other healthcare heroes in Cambodia and beyond MATTERS. Keep watching to learn why.
Sep 5
Another back to school season means another opportunity to help give children a shot at a healthy school year.
Help children across the globe get the necessary vaccines to safely return to school by donating at shotatlife.org/donate
Sep 3
Become a Shot@Life Champion
Are you ready to increase your commitment to fight for global vaccine equity? Sign up for an advocacy training and become a Shot@Life Champion!
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