Global conflicts hinder child vaccination efforts, UN data shows

The number of children missing out on crucial vaccinations increased in 2023, largely due to ongoing conflicts worldwide, according to new data published on Monday by UN agencies.

According to UN estimates, around 14.5 million children did not receive vaccinations for diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough last year, an increase from 13.9 million in 2022. Although this number is lower than the peak during the COVID-19 pandemic, it still indicates a troubling trend.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that only 84 percent of infants globally received their full course of the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) in 2023, falling short of the necessary level to prevent outbreaks.

War-torn regions, including Sudan, Yemen and Afghanistan, saw significant declines in vaccination coverage. Sudan, in particular, experienced a drastic drop in immunization rates from 75 percent in 2022 to 57 percent in 2023.

The WHO and UNICEF stressed the importance of addressing the gaps in immunization coverage, especially in countries with fragile health systems. More than half of the unvaccinated children live in 31 countries with fragile, conflict-affected and vulnerable settings, where access to health services is severely disrupted.

The latest trends show that immunization efforts in many countries are still missing far too many children, said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. "Closing the immunization 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."

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that measles outbreaks serve as a warning sign, exposing gaps in immunization coverage. He reiterated WHO's commitment to working with partners to close these gaps and protect at-risk children.

Despite the challenges, there are positive developments in immunization coverage. The introduction of newer vaccines, such as those for human papillomavirus (HPV), meningitis, pneumococcal, polio and rotavirus, is expanding protection.

Notably, the share of adolescent girls receiving at least one dose of the HPV vaccine increased from 20 percent in 2022 to 27 percent in 2023. Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, noted that while HPV vaccine coverage has improved, it remains below the 90 percent target necessary to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.