Global Infant Vaccination Rates Stabilize After COVID-19 Disruptions, But Challenges Remain
GENEVA, Switzerland – Following a concerning decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, global infant vaccination rates have shown signs of stabilization, according to a recent report released by the United Nations. The data, published jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, reveals that 85% of infants worldwide received three doses of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine in 2024. This represents a modest improvement of one percentage point compared to the previous year, translating to approximately one million more children receiving this crucial protection. While this stabilization offers a glimmer of hope, the report underscores persistent challenges, including significant funding cuts and the pervasive spread of misinformation, which continue to undermine vaccination efforts and put millions of children at risk.
Although the overall coverage has slightly improved, significant gaps remain. Nearly 20 million infants missed at least one DTP dose in 2024, and a staggering 14.3 million children received no vaccinations at all, categorized as “zero-dose” children. While slightly lower than the 14.5 million zero-dose children reported in 2023, this figure still represents a concerning increase of 1.4 million compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This highlights the lasting impact of the pandemic on global health systems and the urgent need to redouble efforts to reach these vulnerable children. The report’s findings underscore the fragility of vaccination progress and the ongoing threat posed by disruptions to healthcare services.
The UN agencies emphasize that equitable access to vaccines remains a significant challenge. Conflict-affected regions and low-income countries continue to face disproportionately low coverage rates, exacerbating existing health disparities. The report identifies drastic cuts in international aid, particularly from the United States, as a major impediment to progress. These funding reductions have hampered the ability of health organizations to deliver essential vaccines and respond to disease outbreaks in nearly 50 countries. The impact of these cuts is particularly concerning given the ongoing vulnerability of global health systems in the wake of the pandemic.
The proliferation of misinformation surrounding vaccine safety poses another significant hurdle to achieving widespread immunization coverage. The spread of false and misleading information online and through social media has fueled vaccine hesitancy and resistance, contributing to dangerous gaps in immunity and facilitating outbreaks of preventable diseases. Experts express particular concern about the influence of prominent figures who disseminate inaccurate information about vaccines, further eroding public trust in scientific evidence and established healthcare practices. The report highlights the urgent need to counter misinformation with accurate and accessible information about the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
The report also sheds light on the impact of misinformation and funding cuts on specific diseases. The resurgence of measles serves as a stark example. In 2024, 60 countries experienced significant measles outbreaks, nearly double the number reported in 2022. While two million more children received the measles vaccine in 2024 compared to the previous year, global coverage remains well below the 95% threshold needed to prevent widespread transmission. This highlights the critical importance of achieving and maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the resurgence of preventable diseases and protect vulnerable populations.
Despite these ongoing challenges, the report offers some encouraging findings. Vaccination coverage increased in several low-income countries supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, demonstrating the positive impact of targeted investments in strengthening immunization programs. However, the report also reveals signs of declining coverage in upper-middle and high-income countries, where rates had previously been consistently high. This suggests that even small drops in coverage can have serious consequences and underscores the need for sustained efforts to maintain high vaccination levels across all income levels. The report calls for urgent action to address the complex challenges hindering vaccination progress and ensure that all children have access to life-saving vaccines.