by Peter Orengo

More infants are immunised today than ever before, leading to a remarkable reduction of diseases, especially in Africa.

A joint report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) and World Bank said 106 million babies under the age of one were vaccinated last year, while a record 120 vaccines became available against a host of diseases like meningitis and a virus linked to cancer.

However, the international agencies also warned that life-saving vaccines still do not reach about 24 million children worldwide, who are most at risk.

The authors are now calling on donor nations to address a funding gap that leaves those still at risk, particularly in the poorest nations.

The release of new evidence of success in the overall global immunisation effort takes place just as many nations are conducting pandemic influenza A (H1N1) and HIV and Aids immunisation campaigns.

They underscore the unparalleled role of vaccines in preventing communicable diseases and the challenges of reaching the most vulnerable.

The data provide a snapshot of an immunisation boom that has tripled the global vaccine market to $17 billion in eight years, and set off a renaissance of vaccine development.

"The influenza pandemic draws attention to the promise and dynamism of vaccine development today, yet it reminds us once again of the obstacles to bringing the benefits of science to people in the poorest nations," said Dr Margaret Chan, director-general, WHO, in New York.