In 2023, global childhood immunization levels stagnated, “leaving 2.7 million additional children un- and under-vaccinated compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019”. This pause in development was emphasized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, who underscored the importance of “ongoing catch-up, recovery and system-strengthening efforts.” Despite attempts, the percentage of children receiving the DTP vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis remained at 84% (108 million), with an increase in the number of children missing out on even a single dose.
The data also revealed concerning trends in measles vaccination rates, with only 83% of children worldwide receiving “their first dose of the measles vaccine through routine health services,” while the number of children receiving “their second dose modestly increased from the previous year,
reaching 74%, falling short of the 95% coverage required to prevent outbreaks. Measles outbreaks affected 103 countries over five years, “home to roughly three-quarters of the world’s infants”, highlighting the critical need for higher vaccination rates to protect vulnerable populations. On a positive note, the steady introduction of new and underutilized vaccines (including human papillomavirus (HPV), meningitis, pneumococcal, polio, and rotavirus disease) increased, particularly in 57 countries supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The most recent estimates show that, despite modest progress in some areas, such as low-income and African nations, efforts must be accelerated “to meet the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) targets of 90% coverage” and no more than 6.5 million “zero-dose” children worldwide by 2030. The IA2030 Partnership Council emphasizes the importance of innovation, collaboration, and sustained investment in immunization programs as part of its integrated primary healthcare programs to ensure equitable access to vaccines for all individuals worldwide.
Relevant Links/Information resources
O’Brien, K. L., & Lemango, E. (2023). The big catch-up in immunisation coverage after the COVID-19 pandemic: Progress and challenges to achieving equitable recovery. The Lancet.
World Health Organization: WHO. (2024, July 15). Global childhood immunization levels stalled in 2023, leaving many without life-saving protection. WHO News. https://www.who.int/news/item/15-07-2024-global-childhood-immunization-levels-stalled-in-2023-leaving-many-without-life-saving-protection
Basu, S., Ashok, G., Debroy, R., Ramaiah, S., Livingstone, P., & Anbarasu, A. (2023). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine vaccine landscape: A global perspective. Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics, 19(1), 2199656. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2023.2199656
