In a world where conflict and crises seem to dominate headlines, it's easy to overlook the silent heroes working tirelessly to protect our most vulnerable. Today, we shine a light on the remarkable progress made in childhood immunization, even amidst the chaos.
The latest data from UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts, global vaccination rates have shown resilience and a promising upward trend.
Global Immunization Rates: A Glimpse of Progress
In 2025, an impressive 90% of infants worldwide received at least one dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine, with 85% completing the full three-dose series. This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the setbacks of the previous year.
However, as we celebrate these gains, it's important to note that global coverage remains stagnant, hovering just below pre-pandemic levels. This stagnation is a cause for concern, as it highlights the persistent challenges and inequalities that continue to hinder progress.
The Zero-Dose Challenge
One of the most worrying trends is the rising number of "zero-dose" children - those who receive no vaccines in their first year. While the number has decreased slightly, it is offset by an increase in children starting but not completing the vaccination schedule. Most of these children live in countries supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which provides critical support to national immunization programs.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the disparity between regions. More than half of all zero-dose children reside in fragile, conflict-affected, or vulnerable (FCV) settings, despite accounting for only a third of the world's child population. This highlights the profound impact of political instability, insecurity, and underfunding on immunization programs.
Measles: A Persistent Threat
The data also reveals a concerning trend in measles coverage. While 84% of children received the first measles dose (MCV1), and 77% received the second (MCV2), these figures fall short of the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. As a result, 57 countries reported large or disruptive measles outbreaks in 2025.
This raises a deeper question: How can we ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, receives the protection they deserve?
Regional Disparities and Progress
When we zoom out and look at the regional picture, we see a mixed bag of progress and stagnation. The Americas and South-East Asia have fully recovered and improved their performance, with the latter now leading the way. Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Europe regions have made gains but still lag behind pre-pandemic levels. Conversely, the Western Pacific region experienced a decline, leaving it furthest below its 2019 baseline.
These regional variations highlight the complex interplay of factors influencing immunization rates, from political commitment to access to services.
The Power of Collaboration and Trust
One thing that immediately stands out is the power of collaboration and trust. Over the past 25 years, sustained investments, community commitments, and strengthened programs have reduced the number of zero-dose children by 40%. This is a testament to the impact of collective action and the trust built between governments, partners, and communities.
However, as we move forward, we must be mindful of the challenges ahead. The foundations that enabled progress are under strain, with funding cuts and geopolitical uncertainties threatening to derail our efforts.
A Call to Action
To address these challenges and ensure that every child is protected, WHO and UNICEF call for a multi-pronged approach. This includes strengthening immunization programs in conflict and fragile settings, countering false health information, increasing funding, and investing in stronger data and surveillance systems.
In my opinion, this is a critical juncture. We have made significant progress, but we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. The world needs to come together, unite our efforts, and ensure that no child is left behind.
As we navigate these challenging times, let us remember the words of Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: "Our greatest security begins with ensuring that everyone, wherever they may live, is protected from deadly diseases that vaccines have the power to prevent."
Let's make this a reality for every child, everywhere.
