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April 30, 2024

by Hala Ghoson, PharmD

I recently had the privilege of participating in the “2024 Advocate to Vaccinate Spring Summit” in Washington, D.C., organized by Shot@Life, an advocacy campaign of the United Nations Foundation working to ensure that everybody has access to vaccines and a shot at a healthy life. This gathering united passionate health advocates and Shot@Life Champions from across the U.S., providing a platform to engage with members of Congress and policymakers to stress the critical importance of global immunization and advocate for equitable vaccine access worldwide.

The Power of Vaccines:

It’s crucial to understand the impact of vaccines not just in terms of health but also economically. Every $1 invested in vaccination saves more than $50 in healthcare costs, lost wages, and lost productivity due to illness. This underscores the cost-effectiveness and significance of vaccines as a global health intervention.

Capitol Hill Advocacy Day:

A major part of the summit was dedicated to advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill. I, along with other Shot@Life Champions, had the opportunity to meet with members of Congress to advocate for robust funding for global childhood immunization programs. After a day filled with many meetings and extensive walking between Senate and House offices, we were pleased with by the positive reception from the congressional staffers.

Engaging in conversations with legislative staffers for our congressional representatives was a powerful experience. The exchange of ideas and perspectives left us inspired and motivated to continue our work towards making a global impact.

Advocacy for a Better World:

As advocates, our focus was on raising congressional support not only for global immunization programs but also broader global public health interventions. We prioritized the most vulnerable and marginalized populations, striving to make a significant difference in global health outcomes.

Day 3 was Capitol Hill Day recap and Champion awards, which was followed by sessions discussing innovation in digital health. We also explored the intersection of climate and global health, and engaged in preparations to amplify our impact through the “Advocate to Vaccinate Prep” session.

A Commitment Grown Stronger:

As a healthcare professional and research pharmacist involved in vaccine clinical trials, my commitment to advocating for global health and global immunization after attending “Advocate to Vaccine Summit” has only grown stronger. This year is dedicated to raising awareness, educating, and advocating for accessible immunization worldwide. Vaccines are a beacon of hope, providing protection and saving lives. By championing this cause, we can bridge gaps in healthcare, ensuring everyone has access to life-saving vaccinations.

A heartfelt shoutout to all the dedicated advocates who generously contributed their time and efforts to this noble cause. The experience of meeting and connecting with such passionate advocates was truly incredible, fostering the beginning of friendships and connections that will endure over time, united by our shared commitment to this important cause and our advocacy for a better world.

The experience of being part of the Shot@Life campaign, collaborating with its dedicated professional team, was both transformative and incredibly rewarding. It provided me with invaluable insights and enriched my commitment to global health advocacy.

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, has a shot at a healthy life.

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