Global Vaccination Progress Stalls Amidst Millions of Unvaccinated Infants

Urgent Call to Action: Global Immunization Efforts Must Accelerate to Protect Millions of Children

Geneva/New York – the World Health Institution (WHO) and UNICEF are issuing a critical appeal for increased global commitment and investment in immunization programs to safeguard the health of millions of children and bolster global health security. As a new strategic cycle for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, approaches, a notable funding gap threatens to undermine progress in protecting vulnerable populations, particularly those in lower-income countries.

The call to action highlights five key priorities essential for strengthening global immunization efforts:

Closing the Funding Gap for Gavi’s Next Strategic Cycle (2026-2030): Securing adequate financial resources is paramount to continue protecting millions of children in lower-income countries and enhance global health security.
Strengthening Immunization in Conflict and Fragile Settings: Renewed focus is needed to reach zero-dose children – those who have not received even a single vaccine – in areas affected by conflict and fragility, thereby preventing deadly disease outbreaks. Prioritizing Local-Led Strategies and Domestic Investment: Embedding immunization firmly within primary healthcare systems through local-led strategies and increased domestic investment is crucial to close equity gaps and ensure lasting progress.
Countering Misinformation and Increasing Vaccine Uptake: Evidence-based approaches are vital to combat the spread of misinformation and drive higher vaccine uptake, ensuring that more children benefit from life-saving vaccines.
* Investing in Data and Surveillance Systems: Strengthening data collection and disease surveillance systems is essential for guiding high-impact immunization programs and responding effectively to emerging health threats.

WHO and UNICEF are collaborating with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and other key partners to implement the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), a comprehensive global strategy. IA2030 aims to ensure that all countries and global partners achieve set goals for preventing diseases through immunization and delivering vaccines to everyone, everywhere, at every age.

The WHO and UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage (WUENIC) serve as the world’s most extensive dataset on immunization trends, covering vaccinations against 14 diseases delivered through routine health systems. These estimates, based on country-reported data from 189 countries for 2024, underscore the critical importance of these efforts.

About WHO:
The World Health Organization is the UN agency for health, dedicated to the well-being of all people.Guided by science, WHO leads and champions global efforts to ensure everyone, everywhere, has an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. WHO connects nations, partners, and people on the front lines in over 150 locations, leading responses to health emergencies, preventing diseases, addressing root causes of health issues, and expanding access to medicines and healthcare. It’s mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. For more information, visit www.who.int.

About UNICEF:
UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works tirelessly to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged and those in hard-to-reach places. Across more than 190 countries and territories, UNICEF does whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfill their potential. For more information about UNICEF and its work, please visit www.unicef.org. Follow UNICEF on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

How do regional disparities in vaccination rates, notably in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, impact global disease prevention efforts?

The Growing Threat of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Global immunization rates have plateaued, and in some regions, are declining, leaving millions of infants vulnerable to preventable diseases. This isn’t a new concern, but the stagnation – and even reversal – of progress is deeply alarming. We’re seeing a resurgence of diseases like measles, polio, and diphtheria in areas previously considered protected, highlighting the critical need to understand the factors driving this trend and implement effective solutions. This impacts child health, global health security, and disease prevention.

Understanding the Scale of the Problem: Key Statistics (2025)

Zero-dose Children: Approximately 20 million infants globally did not receive even a single dose of the DTP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) vaccine in 2024,marking a concerning increase from previous years.These “zero-dose” children are at the highest risk.

Measles Cases: Globally, measles cases have surged, with outbreaks reported in numerous countries, including the US, UK, and several nations in Africa and Asia. this is a direct outcome of declining measles vaccination rates.

Polio Persistence: While polio has been eradicated in most of the world, wild poliovirus continues to circulate in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and vaccine-derived poliovirus is causing outbreaks in other regions. Polio eradication efforts are significantly hampered by vaccine hesitancy and access issues.

Regional Disparities: Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest proportion of unvaccinated children, followed by South Asia. Conflict zones and areas with weak healthcare systems are particularly vulnerable.Vaccine equity remains a important challenge.

Root Causes of Declining Vaccination Rates

Several interconnected factors contribute to the stalling of global vaccination progress. Addressing these requires a multifaceted approach.

1. Vaccine Hesitancy & Misinformation

Perhaps the most prominent challenge is vaccine hesitancy – the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines. This is frequently enough fueled by:

misinformation: The spread of false or misleading information about vaccines, particularly online, is a major driver of hesitancy. Anti-vaccine narratives often exploit parental anxieties and distrust in scientific institutions.

Lack of Trust: Distrust in healthcare providers, governments, and pharmaceutical companies can also contribute to hesitancy.

Religious & Philosophical Beliefs: While less common, some individuals hold religious or philosophical objections to vaccination.

2. Access Barriers & Healthcare System Weaknesses

Even when individuals are willing to vaccinate, access can be a significant barrier:

Geographical Challenges: Reaching remote or underserved communities with vaccines can be logistically tough and expensive.

Weak Healthcare Infrastructure: Many countries lack the robust healthcare infrastructure needed to deliver vaccines effectively, including cold chain storage, trained personnel, and reliable supply chains.

Financial constraints: The cost of vaccines and delivery can be prohibitive for low-income countries. Vaccine financing is a critical issue.

Conflict & Instability: Armed conflicts and political instability disrupt vaccination campaigns and displace populations, making it difficult to reach children.

3. Global Economic Shifts & Resource Allocation

The World Economic Forum recently highlighted a reset in the global economic system. This shift impacts resource allocation for global health initiatives.

competing Priorities: Economic downturns and geopolitical crises can divert funding away from public health programs, including immunization.

Supply Chain Disruptions: Global economic instability can disrupt the supply of vaccines and other essential medical supplies.

Reduced International Aid: Decreased international aid can limit the ability of low-income countries to fund their immunization programs.

The Impact of Unvaccinated Infants: Real-World Consequences

The consequences of declining vaccination rates are already being felt around the world.

Measles Outbreaks: The recent surge in measles cases demonstrates the rapid spread of disease when herd immunity is compromised.Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.

Polio Resurgence: Outbreaks of vaccine-derived poliovirus in countries previously free of polio highlight the ongoing threat of this debilitating disease.

Increased Child Mortality: Unvaccinated infants are at significantly higher risk of contracting and dying from vaccine-preventable diseases. This reverses decades of progress in reducing infant mortality rates.

Strain on Healthcare Systems: Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases place a significant strain on healthcare systems, diverting resources from other essential services.

Strengthening Immunization Programs: A Path Forward

Reversing the trend of declining vaccination rates requires a concerted effort from governments, healthcare organizations, and communities.

1. Combating Misinformation & Building Trust

public Health Campaigns: Launch targeted public health campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy and promote the benefits of vaccination.

Fact-Checking Initiatives: Support fact-checking organizations and initiatives to debunk misinformation about vaccines.

community Engagement: Engage with communities to address their concerns and build trust in vaccination programs. Community health workers play a vital role.

Healthcare Provider Training: Provide healthcare providers with the training and resources they need to effectively communicate with patients about vaccines.