A growing drop in global immunisation rates is creating conditions for the return of once-controlled diseases, according to consultant neurosurgeon Teddy Totimeh.
Speaking in a recent media interview, Dr Totimeh highlighted how the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped public attitudes toward vaccines, leading to increased hesitancy and missed immunisation schedules.
He explained that disruptions during the pandemic—including lockdowns, fear of visiting health facilities, and supply chain challenges—caused many routine vaccination programmes to stall. Even after restrictions eased, lingering distrust and misinformation have continued to affect uptake.
The consequences, he warned, are already visible. Diseases such as measles and meningitis are reappearing in regions where they had previously been under control, affecting both developing and high-income countries.
Dr Totimeh stressed that vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in public health, noting that recent responses to outbreaks like Ebola and mpox demonstrate the continued strength of scientific intervention when properly applied.
He urged parents and caregivers to prioritise full immunisation for children, pointing out that structured health systems in countries like Ghana provide clear schedules and tracking through child welfare clinics.
According to him, one of the biggest challenges now is not access but follow-through, as many families fail to complete vaccination schedules after initial visits.
Dr Totimeh cautioned that without urgent action to rebuild trust and improve vaccine coverage, the world risks reversing decades of progress in disease control.
