Vaccination Rates Rise, But New Epidemics Threaten World: UN

Global efforts to vaccinate children are showing signs of recovery, with immunization rates gradually increasing after the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a joint report by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), 90% of infants worldwide, totaling nearly 116 million, received at least one dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine in 2025. However, only 85% completed the full three-dose course, a figure still below pre-pandemic levels.

The report highlights a persistent challenge: millions of children remain vulnerable, with 13.5 million classified as "zero-dose" children, meaning they received no vaccines at all. While this number decreased by approximately 750,000 from the previous year, it represents a significant portion of the global child population, with over half of these unprotected children living in conflict-affected or politically unstable regions.

UNICEF and WHO are sounding the alarm, warning that without immediate intervention, the global goal of reducing the number of zero-dose children will not be met. Another concerning trend is the growing number of children who start but do not finish their vaccination schedules. An estimated 7.3 million infants received their first DTP shot but never received their first measles vaccine. This has left measles vaccination coverage stagnant at 84% for the first dose and 77% for the second, far below the 95% threshold required to prevent outbreaks.

The consequences are stark: 57 countries reported significant measles epidemics last year. The agencies emphasize the urgent need for renewed commitment and action to close immunization gaps and protect vulnerable populations from preventable diseases. The report underscores the critical importance of maintaining robust vaccination programs, especially in fragile contexts, to avert future health crises.