A new global immunisation vision and strategy.

The widespread establishment of immunisation programmes over the past 30 years has provided remarkable achievements. Smallpox was eradicated, the worldwide incidence of poliomyelitis has dropped 99% since 1988, and more than 2 million children\'s deaths from diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and measles are prevented each year (figure). Hepatitis B vaccination could annually prevent an additional 600 000 future deaths (from liver cirrhosis and hepatoma). More than 75% of children younger than 1 year of age receive three doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, and at least one dose of measles vaccine.