A gift that lasts a lifetime

Vaccines are among humanity’s greatest public health achievements and a major pillar of UNICEF’s global mission for children.

In the last 50 years, vaccines have helped to reduce child mortality by 80% and saved 154 million lives.

That’s six people, every minute, for five decades.

Today, UNICEF reaches almost half of the world’s children under five with life-saving vaccines each year.

Vaccination provides children with benefits that can last their lifetimes. It is not only the safest protection from deadly diseases – vaccinated children grow up stronger and do better at school, with economic benefits that ripple sustainably across whole communities.

All while being incredibly cost effective and delivering a return on investment of at least €20 for every €1 spent.

What is The Vaccine Fund?

The Vaccine Fund is a unique opportunity to pool your resources with other UNICEF supporters to maximise your impact for children by helping us reach every child with lifesaving vaccines.

We encourage you to be ambitious and become a part of UNICEF’s vision for a world where no child will die or suffer from a preventable disease.

UNICEF’s work for children is completely voluntary funded, and therefore relies entirely on vital contributions from our supporters.

Spotlight on Gaza and Sudan – Childhood immunisation in challenging humanitarian contexts

In the Gaza Strip, around 94 per cent of a target population of children under 10 years received two doses of the oral polio vaccine between September and November 2024 (pictured). The success of the campaign has been a remarkable achievement for UNICEF and partners given the extremely difficult circumstances it was executed under.

Sudan is among the first African countries to introduce the ground-breaking malaria vaccine, a significant accomplishment in a country grappling with ongoing conflict. Recommended for children aged 5–12 months, the vaccine rollout is being supported by UNICEF and partners, and is expected to dramatically reduced child hospital admission and mortality from the disease.

Other ways to support the Vaccine Fund

Your support can help UNICEF to reach more children with lifesaving vaccines.

To donate by cheque please send to: Freepost, UNICEF Ireland, 33 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1 D01 R283

Corporate Partnerships

Businesses looking to support can contact Owen Buckley, Head of Corporate Partnerships: owen@unicef.ie or 087 096 7744

Philanthropy & Major Gifts

If you or your family office would like to provide support, you can contact Donna Marie O’Donovan, Head of Philanthropy: donna.marie@unicef.ie