After ‘historic backslide' during pandemic, global childhood immunization rates stall, new data shows

Although the Covid-19 pandemic saw significant advancements in the development and distribution of coronavirus vaccines, it also resulted in a decline in routine vaccinations worldwide. The World Health Organization and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund have reported that global immunization rates have yet to recover. The pandemic had a negative impact on vaccination efforts, and now it is essential to reach children who missed their shots and restore immunization services. The latest immunization coverage report reveals that progress towards achieving vaccination coverage goals has stalled, largely due to disruptions in healthcare services, logistical challenges, vaccine hesitancy, and inequities in access to services. The data shows an increase in the number of children who have not received any vaccinations, leaving millions un- and under-immunized compared to before the pandemic. It is crucial to accelerate efforts to address this challenge. Despite these challenges, some regions have shown positive signs of progress. For example, the African region made significant strides in overall coverage, and countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia, Brazil, and Nigeria have made notable recoveries. While there is hope, further action is needed to address the concerning decline in measles coverage, which has the potential to lead to more outbreaks. Over half of unvaccinated children live in countries facing conflicts and fragility, highlighting the critical need to protect children in such settings. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of expanding vaccine protection against infectious diseases and the need for collaboration and investment in innovation to achieve global immunization goals.