The editorial “A test for global public health” (FT View, June 25) rightly emphasised the importance of public funding for vaccination programmes globally. However, even with current levels of funding, many children in poor countries, especially those born at higher birth-orders, do not receive full vaccinations in a timely manner that is critical for enhancing their immunity systems. It is tragic that the so-called “vaccine sceptics” have hijacked public discussion in the US, and the current emphasis on increasing defence expenditures in Nato countries will entail a misallocation of resources.
Most vaccines have been extensively tested; by contrast, higher defence spending will promote wars and contaminate the environment that is especially hazardous in the wake of climate change.