The World Keeps Millions of Vaccines on Ice. Is It Worth It?

Global emergency vaccine stockpiles have proven to be a critical tool in outbreak response, significantly reducing cases and deaths worldwide. A recent study found that vaccines from stockpiles—such as those for cholera, Ebola, meningitis, and yellow fever—averted approximately 6 million cases and 300,000 deaths over two decades, demonstrating a 60% reduction in outbreak impact. The research also highlighted the importance of rapid vaccine deployment to prevent broader social and economic disruptions.

Despite these benefits, declining global health funding threatens the sustainability of these stockpiles. Experts emphasize that maintaining well-stocked, ready-to-use vaccines is essential to controlling outbreaks at their source and protecting global health. Read more from NPR here.