Are Millions of Children at Risk as Global Childhood Vaccination Rates Decline Since 2010?
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Synopsis
A recent study published in The Lancet reveals alarming declines in global childhood vaccination rates since 2010, putting millions of children at risk. The Covid-19 pandemic has worsened the situation, highlighting urgent needs for equitable access and targeted strategies to prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Key Takeaways
- Significant decline in global childhood vaccination rates since 2010.
- Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation, resulting in millions missing vaccinations.
- Over half of unvaccinated children live in just eight countries.
- Urgent need for targeted improvements in vaccination coverage.
- Addressing vaccine misinformation is crucial for progress.
New Delhi, June 25 (NationPress) A substantial drop in the progress of global childhood vaccination rates since 2010 has put the lives of millions of children at risk from preventable diseases and potential death, according to a recent study published in The Lancet on Wednesday.
The research, conducted by experts from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, reviewed coverage rates for 11 essential vaccines targeting diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and measles as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) across 204 nations and territories.
The study revealed that from 1980 to 2023, global vaccine coverage doubled for diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), measles, polio, and tuberculosis.
Moreover, there was a striking 75% reduction in the number of children who had never received routine childhood vaccinations (known as zero-dose children), decreasing from 58.8 million in 1980 to 14.7 million in 2019, before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, since 2010, many countries have seen either stagnation or a reversal in progress. For instance, measles vaccinations fell in 100 out of 204 countries between 2010 and 2019, while 21 of 36 high-income nations reported declines in coverage for at least one vaccine dose against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles, polio, or tuberculosis.
The Covid pandemic has further worsened the situation, resulting in a significant drop in global vaccine coverage.
It is estimated that between 2020 and 2023, approximately 15.6 million children missed the complete three doses of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine or the measles vaccine.
Additionally, nearly 16 million children did not receive any polio vaccine, and 9.18 million missed out on the tuberculosis vaccine.
The pandemic years (2020-2023) also saw about 12.8 million more unvaccinated zero-dose children worldwide.
“Despite the monumental efforts of the past 50 years, progress has been far from universal. Large numbers of children remain under- and un-vaccinated,” stated senior study author Dr. Jonathan Mosser from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the university.
Alongside global inequalities and challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, the rise of vaccine misinformation and hesitancy has also contributed to stalled immunization progress, he noted.
The global analysis indicated that in 2023, over half of the world’s 15.7 million unvaccinated children resided in just eight countries, primarily located in sub-Saharan Africa (53%) and South Asia (13%): Nigeria, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Indonesia, and Brazil.
“These trends elevate the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, polio, and diphtheria, highlighting the urgent need for targeted improvements to ensure that all children benefit from life-saving immunizations,” Mosser emphasized.
The global study advocates for enhanced routine childhood vaccination coverage, increased investment, and targeted strategies to maintain progress, close immunization gaps, and ensure equitable access to essential vaccines.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the alarming trends in childhood vaccination rates globally. The decline since 2010, compounded by the Covid pandemic, poses a significant threat to public health. We must advocate for equitable vaccine access and address misinformation to protect our children and prevent outbreaks.
NationPress
25/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main findings of the study published in The Lancet?
The study found a significant decline in global childhood vaccination rates since 2010, putting millions at risk for preventable diseases, worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Which countries are most affected by low vaccination rates?
More than half of the world's unvaccinated children live in eight countries, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, including Nigeria and India.
What role did the Covid-19 pandemic play in vaccination rates?
The pandemic led to a sharp decline in vaccine coverage, with millions missing routine vaccinations during the crisis.
What actions are being suggested to improve vaccination rates?
The study calls for greater investment in vaccination programs, targeted strategies to close immunization gaps, and addressing vaccine misinformation.
How has the decline in vaccinations impacted public health?
The decline increases the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, polio, and diphtheria.
