Millions of children worldwide have missed routine childhood vaccinations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but new data suggests that this decline may be reversing. According to estimates released by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), 4 million more children received routine immunizations last year compared to the previous year.
The number of children who missed all of their routine immunizations fell from 18.1 million in 2021 to 14.3 million last year, although it has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Similarly, the number of children who missed out on one or more routine vaccinations also decreased from 24.4 million in 2021 to 20.5 million last year. However, these figures are still higher than in 2019.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell has expressed concern about the gaps in routine immunization coverage, stating that until these gaps are closed, children remain at risk of preventable diseases. The lack of vaccinations poses a global threat, as viruses like measles do not recognize borders.
Data from UNICEF and WHO reveal that out of the 73 countries that reported substantial declines in childhood immunization coverage during the pandemic, 15 have returned to pre-pandemic levels, 24 are on the path to recovery, and 34 have continued to see declines or no improvement.
While the data shows positive trends, there are still severe and persistent inequities in immunization coverage globally. Low-income countries and regions, particularly in Africa, continue to face challenges in achieving adequate coverage.
The recovery of childhood immunizations seems to be concentrated in a few countries, with South Asia reporting more rapid and robust recovery. Eight countries, including India, Indonesia, and Brazil, accounted for the majority of the 4 million children who received vaccinations last year.
The recovery rate varies depending on the vaccine administered. While the percentage of children completing the first dose of the measles vaccine improved slightly, it remains lower than pre-pandemic levels. On the other hand, the coverage for the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine showed more significant improvement.
In a positive development, HPV vaccination coverage surpassed pre-pandemic levels for the first time. However, it still falls short of the goal of 90% coverage among 15-year-old girls, which is crucial to eliminating cervical cancer by 2030.
Earlier this year, international organizations launched a global campaign called The Big Catch-Up, urging governments to ensure that children who missed vaccinations during the pandemic receive the necessary immunizations. Efforts to strengthen immunization services and address the gaps in coverage are crucial in protecting children and preventing the spread of preventable diseases globally.