More than 14 million children missed all routine vaccines in 2024, a number that remains unchanged from the previous year, according to a joint report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. Alarmingly, just nine countries—including Nigeria, India, Sudan, Congo, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Angola—accounted for 52% of these unprotected children.
DTP Coverage Plateaus Despite Slight Gains
According to the report, 89% of children under age one received the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine in 2024—matching 2023 figures. However, 85% completed the full three-dose series, a modest improvement over last year’s 84%.
Despite these slight gains, officials warned that massive cuts in international aid could derail progress.
U.S. Withdrawal Deepens Global Vaccine Crisis
As reported by newindianexpress, the situation worsened after the United States pulled out of the WHO in January and suspended most humanitarian aid. Additionally, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. halted funding to the Gavi vaccine alliance, citing mistrust in scientific evidence—despite global consensus on vaccine safety.
Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, has previously questioned the DTP vaccine, even though it has been proven safe and effective through decades of research and use.
Global Health Leaders Sound the Alarm
“Drastic cuts in aid, coupled with misinformation about vaccine safety, threaten to unravel decades of progress,” warned WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The UN agencies emphasized that access to vaccines remains deeply unequal, with conflict zones and humanitarian crises such as in Sudan causing rapid declines in immunization coverage.
Measles on the Rise as Coverage Falls Short
The measles vaccine saw slight global improvement, with 76% of children receiving both doses. However, this falls short of the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. The WHO reported 60 countries experienced major measles outbreaks last year.
In the United States, 2024 marked the worst measles outbreak in over 30 years. Meanwhile, Europe reported 125,000 cases, more than double the previous year.
UK Reports Measles Fatality Amid Low Vaccination Rates
In the UK, only 84% of children are fully protected against measles. Tragically, a child recently died of the disease at a hospital in Liverpool, underscoring the dangers of falling coverage rates.
“It is hugely concerning, but not surprising, that measles continues to spread,” said Professor Helen Bradford of University College London. “Vaccination is the only way to stop it. It’s never too late—even adults should get vaccinated if they haven’t already.”