More than 14 million children across the globe received no vaccines at all in 2024, according to a joint report released Tuesday by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. The new data reveals a concerning setback in global immunisation efforts, putting decades of progress at risk.
The report also found that nearly 20 million infants missed at least one dose of the critical DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine, while over 30 million children remained under-protected against measles. This under-vaccination has contributed to a sharp rise in outbreaks, with 60 countries experiencing large or disruptive measles events in 2024—nearly double the number reported in 2022.
The UN agencies cited several reasons for the decline in immunisation coverage, including limited access to healthcare, vaccine supply disruptions, conflict, instability, and the spread of vaccine misinformation.
“Vaccines save lives and are essential for the well-being of individuals, families, and entire nations,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He attributed the rise in missed vaccinations to severe aid cuts and growing misinformation about vaccine safety.
The findings underscore the urgent need for renewed investment in immunisation programs and efforts to counter vaccine hesitancy worldwide.
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