Stalled Global Immunization Rates Leave Millions of Children Vulnerable
5 July 2024 | Geneva – Global childhood immunization coverage has stagnated, leaving an additional 2.7 million children un- and under-vaccinated in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to new data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
The WHO and UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC), which provide comprehensive data on vaccinations against 14 diseases, highlight the urgent need for catch-up efforts and system-strengthening initiatives. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the necessity of global cooperation to close the immunization gap, urging investments in primary healthcare and community workers to ensure all children are vaccinated.
In 2023, global coverage for the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine stalled at 84%, with 14.5 million children not receiving a single dose, up from 13.9 million in 2022. Over half of these children are in 31 countries facing fragility and conflict, exacerbating their vulnerability to preventable diseases.
Measles vaccination rates also stalled, with nearly 35 million children left unprotected. Only 83% of children received their first dose of the measles vaccine, falling short of the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks. Over the past five years, measles outbreaks affected 103 countries, mainly due to low vaccine coverage.
Global HPV vaccine coverage among girls increased substantially
Conversely, there was significant progress in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage. The share of adolescent girls receiving at least one dose of the HPV vaccine increased from 20% in 2022 to 27% in 2023, driven by efforts in Gavi-supported countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nigeria. However, HPV vaccine coverage remains below the 90% target needed to eliminate cervical cancer.
A poll of over 400,000 users of UNICEF’s digital platform revealed that 75% were unaware of HPV, highlighting the need for increased public awareness and vaccine accessibility. Financial constraints and availability issues hinder access to the HPV vaccine.
The latest estimates underscore the need for robust local action and increased investment to meet the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) targets, aiming for 90% coverage and no more than 6.5 million zero-dose children globally by 2030. The IA2030 Partnership Council calls for enhanced support for country leadership to improve routine immunization as part of integrated primary healthcare programs.
Key Points
- Stagnant Immunization Rates: Immunization coverage for vaccines against 14 diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP), remained largely unchanged at 84%, with 14.5 million children missing the vaccine entirely in 2023.
- Impact of Fragile Settings: Over half of the unvaccinated children are in 31 countries experiencing fragility, conflict, and vulnerability, exacerbating their risk of preventable diseases due to disrupted healthcare services.
- Measles Outbreak Concerns: Low vaccine coverage led to stalled measles vaccination rates, with nearly 35 million children left unprotected. Only 83% received their first dose of the measles vaccine, falling short of the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks.
- Progress in HPV Vaccination: There was a notable increase in the coverage of the HPV vaccine among adolescent girls, rising from 20% in 2022 to 27% in 2023, particularly in Gavi-supported countries. However, global HPV coverage still falls short of the 90% target needed to eliminate cervical cancer.
- Call for Increased Efforts: WHO and UNICEF emphasize the need for robust local action and global cooperation to meet the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) targets, aiming for 90% coverage and no more than 6.5 million zero-dose children globally by 2030. Investments in primary healthcare and community workers are crucial to closing the immunization gap.
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