WHO, UNICEF call for renewed action as new data reveal uneven global vaccination coverage, immunity gaps

The latest World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage have prompted calls for a redoubling of global efforts to ensure people around the world – and particularly those in vulnerable, high-risk communities – have access to life-saving vaccination against preventable diseases.

The new figures show that – despite concerted work to reverse the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on global immunisation coverage rates – around 21 million children remained either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated in 2023. 

The number of children who did not receive any vaccines – commonly referred to as ‘zero-dose’ children – was estimated at 14.5 million, up from 12.8 million in 2019. 

Measles coverage was highlighted as a particular area of concern, during a period in which outbreaks have occurred in an increasing number of countries, often as a result of low measles vaccine coverage. 

Noting the low cost and high ‘deliverability’ of measles vaccine, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, ‘This is a solvable problem.’

Encouragingly, global human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage among girls rose markedly, assisted by programs in Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance-supported countries and the use of the single-dose HPV vaccine schedule.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said, ‘Closing the immunisation gap requires a global effort, with governments, partners and local leaders investing in primary healthcare and community workers to ensure every child gets vaccinated and that overall healthcare is strengthened.’

In a strong statement on the new figures, the WHO IA2030 Partnership Council said, ‘Our shared priority is to ensure that every child has access to vaccines, no matter where they live.’ 

NCIRS remains committed to building partnerships to strengthen immunisation systems, policymaking, access and uptake in our region.

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