New toolkit and webinar video empower global vaccine advocacy
Young Adult Volunteer Isabella Ramos creates a toolkit for those interested in advocating for low-cost vaccines
The Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations (PMUN) has released a new Vaccine Advocacy Toolkit to support global vaccine access, especially in low-income countries. The digital guide is one of two new resources now available to help faith-based advocates push for life-saving immunization programs. Both are free and available to anyone.
The Vaccine Advocacy Toolkit was created jointly with the Presbyterian Malaria Vaccine Advocacy Team (PMVAT), an initiative of the Africa mission networks related to the PC(USA). The online booklet includes practical tips for digital and in-person activism, a library of readings, vaccine news updates, personal stories, and spiritual practices centered on advocacy.
Access the toolkit here.
A second new resource is a 20-minute video of highlights from the April 25 World Malaria Day webinar. Sponsored by PMVAT, PMUN, and the Presbyterian Office of Public Witness (OPW), the video features experts in public health and human rights. It focuses on the rollout of two new malaria vaccines and urges continued advocacy for large-scale vaccine distribution.
Watch the video here.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization, childhood vaccines prevent about 4 million deaths each year. Still, 1 in 9 children worldwide and 1 in 5 children in Africa lack access to basic immunizations. In remote areas, some children receive no routine vaccines at all. Diseases like malaria, measles, and tuberculosis continue to kill hundreds of thousands of people each year.
The need for advocacy is urgent. Although Congress has approved the Trump administration’s 2025 budget proposal that made deep cuts to global health programs — including nearly $1 billion in funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance — there is a continuing need for advocacy. These cuts could result in as many as 1 million preventable child deaths over five years. However, Congress holds the final authority on spending. Both the House and the Senate have long demonstrated strong bipartisan support for Gavi and preventative health initiatives and should be urged to restore funding for these vital programs in the future. The new toolkit and video call for faith-rooted advocacy to meet this crisis with action.
“Our advocacy is very powerful when we can join our Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) brothers and sisters and speak as one voice,” said Sue Gibbons, convenor of PMVAT. “It is important that we Presbyterians in the pews make our voices heard and advocate for what we believe is right. These two new resources offer the background and concrete ways we can take action.”
The Vaccine Advocacy Toolkit was created by Isabella Ramos, a 2024–2025 Young Adult Volunteer at PMUN. Ramos first developed a general faith-based advocacy booklet before shifting her focus to vaccines after the April webinar.
“I first started creating an advocacy toolkit for people like me who may be passionate about justice but not have the tools they need to advocate effectively,” Ramos said. “After the Malaria Vaccine webinar took place, there was a need and an opportunity to educate and help those who may be more interested in vaccine advocacy.”
“This resource is so excellent and timely,” said Christi Boyd, PMVAT team member. “I like the holistic set of content items, the thoughtful language throughout, the expansion beyond malaria and vaccines to also make reference to other health concerns and the importance of community without losing the focus on malaria and vaccines.”
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