In a world once free of deadly childhood infections like measles, diphtheria, and whooping cough, the power of vaccines was evident. Costing as little as 60 cents per dose through UNICEF, these vaccines saved millions of lives over the past 50 years. However, fast forward to 2025, and we are witnessing a resurgence of these diseases, with outbreaks occurring even in some of the wealthiest regions of the world.
The loss of measles elimination status in Canada is just one example of the global health crisis unfolding before our eyes. Children are dying from preventable diseases in places like Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Alberta, Canada. This is not just a public health failure but a moral failure as well. Access to vaccines is not a privilege but a human right, as recognized by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Human rights have played a crucial role in advancing access to healthcare globally. Activists have used legal challenges to ensure universal access to lifesaving medications, such as antiretroviral drugs for AIDS. In Peru, advocates have fought for abortion rights based on human rights principles. Recently, the International Court of Justice affirmed a clean environment as a fundamental human right, setting the stage for climate justice advocacy.
As vaccine denialism threatens the health of children, a rights-based approach is essential to protect their well-being. Holding political leaders and purveyors of misinformation accountable is crucial in ensuring children’s right to health. The resurgence of measles, whooping cough, and diphtheria is exacerbated by disinformation and funding cuts, posing a grave injustice to children worldwide.
It is our duty as adults to take action rooted in science to protect children. This includes funding immunization programs in fragile states, countering misinformation with evidence, and investing in global agencies like WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi. Using the courts to seek justice for children is a necessary shift in strategy to uphold their rights.
In a world where basic rights like access to vaccines are threatened, we must ask ourselves how we can claim to be building a livable world for our children. Protecting the most vulnerable in society is a litmus test for our civilization and advancement. By standing up for children’s rights and ensuring access to vaccines, we can create a safer and healthier world for future generations.
