Every Child By Two

Every Child By Two (ECBT) is an American non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all children in the United States receive vaccines against preventable diseases by the age of two. Founded in 1991 by Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady of the United States, and Betty Bumpers, wife of former Arkansas Governor Dale Bumpers, ECBT has been at the forefront of advocating for vaccination policies and practices that protect children, families, and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.

History

The inception of Every Child By Two was motivated by the personal experiences and public service backgrounds of its founders. Both Rosalynn Carter and Betty Bumpers had been champions of immunization during their husbands' political careers in the 1970s. They witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of vaccine-preventable diseases on children and families. Their shared vision led to the establishment of ECBT, with a mission to raise awareness about the critical importance of timely immunizations.

Mission and Activities

The primary mission of Every Child By Two is to promote the health and well-being of children by ensuring timely vaccinations against a comprehensive list of vaccine-preventable diseases. The organization focuses on education, advocacy, and public policy to achieve its goals. Key activities include:

• Developing and disseminating educational materials for parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
• Advocating for policies that support universal vaccination and remove barriers to access.
• Collaborating with public health agencies, other non-profit organizations, and healthcare professionals to enhance immunization rates.
• Monitoring and responding to vaccine misinformation and hesitancy.

Impact

Over the years, Every Child By Two has played a significant role in increasing awareness and improving vaccination rates among children in the United States. Through its efforts, ECBT has contributed to the reduction of incidences of diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and whooping cough (pertussis). The organization's work in combating vaccine misinformation and hesitancy has been particularly noteworthy in the digital age, where false information can spread rapidly.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite its successes, Every Child By Two faces challenges, including vaccine hesitancy and resistance from some segments of the population. The organization works to address these challenges through education and advocacy, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

See Also

• Vaccination policy
• Public health
• Immunization schedule
• Vaccine hesitancy

External Links

Note: As per the given constraints, external links and references are omitted from this article.