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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Health & Science

Indonesia praised for expanding child immunization coverage, closing gaps

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Indonesia has successfully expanded childhood immunization coverage and reduced access gaps, according to the WHO.
  • The country increased DTP3 and hepatitis B vaccine coverage from 78% in 2024 to 82% in 2025, reaching over 3.6 million children.
  • While progress is noted, WHO and UNICEF emphasize the need for stronger routine immunization services to reach unvaccinated children and achieve 2030 goals.

Indonesia has made significant strides in expanding childhood immunization and closing access gaps, earning recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO). The nation successfully boosted coverage for the third dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP3) vaccines, as well as the third dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, from 78% in 2024 to 82% in 2025.

Indonesia's progress shows what can be achieved when we work together to reach children with life-saving vaccines.

— Dr N ParanietharanWHO Representative for Indonesia, commenting on the country's immunization achievements.

This increase means over 3.6 million children in Indonesia received a full course of these vital vaccines in 2025, protecting them against serious diseases. "Indonesia's progress shows what can be achieved when we work together to reach children with life-saving vaccines," stated Dr. N Paranietharan, WHO Representative for Indonesia. The number of children who have never received any vaccine dose also dropped from 748,000 in 2024 to 657,000 in 2025.

Despite this commendable progress, health organizations stress that many children still lack protection against diseases like measles, polio, and pneumonia. "Sustaining progress demands stronger routine immunization services, focused efforts to reach underserved populations, and continued support for quality immunization programs," Paranietharan urged. UNICEF Indonesia Representative Maniza Zaman echoed this sentiment, calling immunization a cornerstone of child health and congratulating the Indonesian government, healthcare workers, and communities for their achievements.

We congratulate the Government of Indonesia, health workers, and communities across the country on this important progress in reducing the number of children who remain unvaccinated. These forward steps are a testament to what is possible with strong leadership, innovation, and active community engagement.

— Maniza ZamanUNICEF Indonesia Representative, highlighting the success and emphasizing continued collaboration.

While overall coverage is improving, disparities remain. More girls received the HPV vaccine in 2025, enhancing future protection against cervical cancer. However, coverage for some other vaccines has stagnated or declined, leaving a portion of children vulnerable to diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and measles. WHO and UNICEF continue to support the government's efforts to accelerate progress and ensure every child receives life-saving vaccines.

Sustaining progress demands stronger routine immunization services, focused efforts to reach underserved populations, and continued support for quality immunization programs.

— Dr N ParanietharanWHO Representative for Indonesia, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to reach all children.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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