Have vaccines changed global health outcomes?

Yes, vaccines are among the greatest public health achievements in history. Smallpox was eradicated in 1980, and polio has been eliminated from most of the world. Childhood immunization programs save an estimated 4–5 million lives annually, according to WHO. Diseases that once killed millions are now preventable, allowing societies to thrive. Vaccine misinformation spreads quickly online, undermining trust. Media literacy helps communities separate fact from fear, ensuring people rely on evidence from credible health organizations. The fact-based truth is that vaccines have revolutionized global health, extending lifespans and saving generations from preventable suffering.