Immunization


USAID is committed to advancing equitable immunization to save lives and protect children and communities from outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.


Vaccines are powerful tools for saving lives, stopping the spread of infectious diseases, and helping communities thrive–but not every child has access. In 2021, 25 million children did not receive life saving vaccines. USAID works to eliminate disparities in access to vaccines by strengthening routine immunization systems. We provide countries with assistance and technical support to develop and strengthen immunization policies, strategies, and guidelines to protect children and communities from preventable infectious diseases like measles and polio. When individuals are fully protected from the threat of vaccine-preventable diseases, they can stay in school, care for their families, and contribute to the economic growth of their countries. As routine immunization services reach more families than any other health service globally, strengthening immunization programming can help make overall primary health care systems stronger and more resilient. 

Our Approach and Results

USAID saves lives by expanding equitable access to vaccines through the following approaches: 

  • Supporting the introduction of new and underutilized vaccines through our contribution to Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance. 
  • Strengthening routine immunization systems to deliver vaccines to hard-to-reach populations to protect children and communities from infectious diseases, like measles and diphtheria.
  • Collaborating with global health leaders and coordinating bodies—including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; the World Health Organization (WHO); UNICEF; the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation—to advance global immunization policy priorities.
  • Increasing generation and use of evidence and learning to optimize immunization policies, practices and programs.
  • Improving polio eradication and disease control initiatives to advance global health security in the fight against new and re-emerging infectious diseases.

Since 2001, USAID has helped immunize more than 981 million children and save more than 16 million lives in partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.


Where We Work 

USAID’s maternal and child survival programs focus on 25 countries that represent more than 66 percent of maternal and child deaths.

Projects and Partnerships 

Success Stories

Putting People at the Center of USAID Immunization Programs

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Vaccines are powerful tools for saving lives, stopping the spread of infectious diseases, and helping communities thrive. When individuals are fully protected from the threat of vaccine-preventable diseases, they can stay in school, care for their families, and contribute to the economic growth of their countries. Yet, to ultimately support long lives well-lived, we must go from vaccines to vaccination.

First of Its Kind, A New Malaria Vaccine

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From emperors in ancient Rome to toddlers in sub-Saharan Africa today, people have been dying from malaria for thousands of years. Over the last century, innovative technologies and scientific breakthroughs have supported more than 100 countries, including the United States, to successfully eliminate malaria from within their borders. Yet for more than half the world, malaria remains a leading cause of death and hospitalizations, particularly for young children and pregnant women.

Voices of ‘Vaccine Champions’ From Around USAID

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Every year, 19 million infants worldwide are not reached with basic vaccinations. Vaccines save lives. Immunization averts 2 to 3 million deaths annually, and is one of the most cost-effective interventions to stop the spread of preventable infectious diseases. Take a look back and learn from our 'Vaccine Champions' around the world. 

Arm in Arm: Community members unite to get COVID-19 shots in the arms of Tanzanians

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Abdi Kasige Simba, a traditional healer in the Iringa region of Tanzania, understands COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. “For some, to be vaccinated is contrary to our morals and culture,” he said. Even he needed some convincing. But once he experienced no negative side effects after receiving his own vaccination, Abdi joined a diverse set of community leaders in the promotion of COVID-19 vaccinations to Tanzanians.

Featured News and Resources 

A Decade of Progress and Action for the Future: Preventing Child and Maternal Deaths, 2023-2030 Factsheet

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Explore the executive summary for this landmark report outlining USAID's framework for action to prevent child and maternal deaths around the world. 

Preventing Child and Maternal Deaths: Primary Health Care Infographic

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Learn more about how USAID is accelerating progress to increase maternal and child survival through primary health care.

Getting to 2030: Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition Technical Roadmap

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USAID works in partnership with host country governments, the civil and private sectors, faith-based organizations, and other key partners to save lives by ensuring women and children have equitable access to high quality, respectful care. The Getting To 2030: Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition Technical Roadmap is a framework that guides USAID's maternal and child survival  programs.

Prevent, Protect, and Treat: Combating Childhood Pneumonia

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As the leading infectious killer of children under five years old, pneumonia causes an estimated 800,000 deaths each year, with the majority in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Yet most pneumonia-related deaths are preventable through high-impact interventions and practices.

Immunizations: Paving the Way for a Healthy Future

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Immunizations not only save lives, but they enable children, women, and families to thrive. When individuals are fully protected from the threat of vaccine preventable diseases, they can stay in school, care for and support their families, and contribute to the economic growth of their communities and countries.