Balearic Companies Honored for supporting Child Vaccination Efforts in Africa
Table of Contents
- Balearic Companies Honored for supporting Child Vaccination Efforts in Africa
- Corporate Social Obligation Impact
- The Matching Fund Formula: Multiplying Impact
- Global Reach and Collaborative Support
- Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance: A Pioneer in Global Health
- The Critical Role of Child Vaccination
- Looking Ahead
- Evergreen Insights: Child Vaccination and Global Health
- Frequently Asked Questions About Child Vaccination
Africa against preventable diseases.">
Four companies based in the Balearic Islands-Domus Vivendi Group, Grupo Tui, Marsese, and Iberostar Hotels & Resorts-have received accolades for their significant contributions to the Alliance for Child Vaccination. This alliance, backed by the ‘La Caixa’ Foundation and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, with support from the Gates Foundation and the Global Health Institute of Barcelona (ISGLOBAL), focuses on combating preventable diseases in Africa.
Through their generous donations between 2008 and 2024, these companies have facilitated the vaccination of 180,766 children in African nations against diseases that, while preventable, remain deadly in many regions. The collective impact of this corporate social responsibility initiative, which has been promoting access to vaccines in developing countries for over 17 years, was celebrated at a recent event.
Did You Know? Pneumonia remains the leading cause of infant mortality globally, but vaccines offer a powerful defense.
The Matching Fund Formula: Multiplying Impact
The Alliance for Child Vaccination has successfully immunized over 11 million children, primarily against pneumonia, a leading cause of infant mortality. This achievement is largely due to the “Matching Fund” formula, which quadruples the impact of every donation. For each euro donated, the ‘La Caixa’ Foundation contributes another euro, and the Gates Foundation adds an additional two euros.
This collaborative effort has not only protected children from pneumonia but also from other life-threatening diseases such as tetanus and diphtheria,thanks to the pentavalent vaccine.
Global Reach and Collaborative Support
The Children’s Vaccination Program is supported by contributions from the ‘La Caixa’ Foundation, donations from 5,500 companies across spain, customers of the financial entity, and the Gates Foundation. In total, 11 million children across 10 African countries, as well as in Latin America, including Mozambique, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Honduras, Mauritania, Nicaragua, central African Republic, Sudan, Bolivia, and Tanzania, have been vaccinated.
During the recognition event, María Cruz Rivera emphasized the strength of this business alliance in improving the lives of vulnerable children. The event, held at Caixabank’s territorial headquarters in Palma, was attended by key representatives from the contributing companies and organizations.
Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance: A Pioneer in Global Health
Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, established in 2000, is a public-private partnership uniting developing countries with donors, including governments, the World Health organization, UNICEF, the World Bank, the vaccination industry, technical agencies, civil society, the Gates Foundation, and “La Caixa” Foundation. Its mission is to save lives, reduce poverty, and protect the world against epidemics and pandemics. By the end of 2023, Gavi had helped vaccinate over one billion children in 78 countries.
Pro Tip: Supporting vaccination programs is a highly effective way to contribute to global health and reduce child mortality.
The Critical Role of Child Vaccination
Child vaccination plays a pivotal role in global health, notably in regions with limited access to healthcare. Undernutrition significantly impacts child health, with stunting (low height-for-age) reflecting the cumulative effects of undernutrition and infections from before birth [[1]]. Vaccination programs help to mitigate these effects by preventing infectious diseases that can exacerbate malnutrition and hinder advancement.
Moreover, child maltreatment, including abuse and neglect, affects children under 18 and can severely impact their health, survival, development, and dignity [[2]]. By improving overall child health through vaccination, these programs contribute to creating safer and healthier environments for children to thrive.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Children Vaccinated (by Balearic companies) | 180,766 |
| Total Children Immunized (by Alliance) | 11 Million+ |
| Countries Benefited | 10+ (Africa & Latin America) |
Looking Ahead
The ongoing commitment of companies like Domus Vivendi Group, Grupo Tui, Marsese, and Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, along with the collaborative efforts of organizations like ‘La Caixa’ Foundation and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, are essential for continuing to protect vulnerable children from preventable diseases and improving global health outcomes.
Evergreen Insights: Child Vaccination and Global Health
Child vaccination programs are a cornerstone of global health initiatives, significantly reducing infant mortality and morbidity rates worldwide. These programs target preventable diseases that disproportionately affect children in low-income countries, where access to healthcare and sanitation is limited. The success of vaccination campaigns relies on international collaboration, funding, and effective distribution networks to reach remote and underserved populations.
The long-term benefits of child vaccination extend beyond individual health, contributing to stronger communities and economies.Healthy children are more likely to attend school, achieve higher levels of education, and contribute to the workforce, breaking the cycle of poverty and improving overall societal well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Vaccination
Why is child vaccination important in Africa?
Child vaccination is crucial in Africa to prevent lethal diseases and reduce infant mortality rates, especially from preventable illnesses like pneumonia, tetanus, and diphtheria.
how does the Alliance for Child Vaccination work?
The Alliance for Child Vaccination operates through a matching Fund formula, where donations are multiplied by four, with contributions from ‘La Caixa’ Foundation and the Gates Foundation.
which companies were recognized for their support?
Domus Vivendi Group, Grupo Tui, Marsese, and Iberostar Hotels & Resorts were recognized for their collaboration with the Alliance for Child Vaccination.
What impact has the Alliance for Child Vaccination had?
The Alliance for Child Vaccination has immunized over 11 million children, primarily against pneumonia, and has contributed to vaccinating 180,766 children through corporate donations.
What is Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance?
Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance is a public-private partnership uniting developing countries with donors to improve access to vaccines and protect against epidemics and pandemics.
What are your thoughts on corporate social responsibility in global health? How can individuals contribute to child vaccination efforts?
Share this article and join the conversation! Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on global health initiatives.
