OPINION: Oregon must continue supporting global immunizations

For millions of children, immunizations can make the difference between a life of poverty and one of possibility.

When kids are protected from infectious diseases, they can go to school, their parents can go to work, and their communities can thrive. Over the past two decades, the world has made astounding progress immunizing children, thanks in large part to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Since 2000, Gavi has helped prevent 17.3 million deaths by helping countries ensure children receive vaccines to protect them from diseases like measles, cholera, HPV, ebola, and — most recently — malaria. But make no mistake — the fight to ensure no child dies of a preventable disease is far from over.

Around 85 million children missed a routine dose during the COVID-19 pandemic, driving surges of preventable diseases like measles, which saw deaths rise by 43% between 2021 and 2022.

No child should die of a preventable disease. That’s why I support the work of Gavi. The U.S. has pledged at least $1.58 billion to Gavi over the next five years — the first time we’ve made a 5-year pledge.

I want to thank Sen. Jeff Merkley for sponsoring Senate Resolution 684, and I encourage Sen. Ron Wyden to join him in recognizing the importance of strong U.S. support for Gavi so it can continue its lifesaving work.

Finally, I hope U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici will also support this strong pledge by sponsoring House Resolution 1286 so we can help create a safer, healthier world for everyone.