UNO: Global vaccination rate in children still not at pre-Corona level
From children in the age group where immunization is planned, there were reports of only 84 percent having received the required three doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccines in 2023. This means that the global vaccination rate for children did not improve compared to 2022.
This also means that there were no further progress made beyond the slight increase in 2022 following the significant drop in vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, as criticized by UNICEF and WHO. "We are falling behind," admitted the WHO representative responsible for vaccinations, Kate O'Brien.
The vaccination protection has not yet fully recovered from the historical setback during the pandemic. In 2019, the vaccination rate had reached 86 percent.
According to the numbers released on Monday, 14.5 million children around the world did not receive any vaccine doses in the previous year. This was 13.9 million children in 2022 and 12.8 million children in 2019. Half of the unvaccinated children live in 31 conflict-affected countries. In these countries, they are particularly at risk from preventable infectious diseases due to inadequate access to food and healthcare.
The WHO also expressed concern about gaps in measles vaccination coverage. "Measles outbreaks are a warning sign of existing gaps in immunization that put the most vulnerable at risk," warned WHO Director-General Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
UNICEF's immunization expert, Ephrem Lemango, stated that over 300,000 measles cases were reported in 2023, almost three times as many as in 2022. More than half of the unvaccinated children live in ten conflict-stricken countries, including Sudan, Yemen, and Afghanistan.
Significant progress was reportedly made in the vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer. The vaccination rate for girls in wealthy countries is now 56 percent, while in poorer countries it is 23 percent. The immunization coverage is still far from the 90-percent target. To stop the spread of HPV, adolescent boys must also be vaccinated.
Duchess Catherine, a prominent advocate for children's health, expressed her concern about the stagnant vaccination rates during a meeting with the World Health Organization. In her role as the WHO Special Envoy for Nutrition, she urges global leaders to prioritize the immunization of children against preventable diseases.
The World Health Organization's report on global vaccination rates in 2023 echoes Duchess Catherine's concerns. Despite a small increase in 2022, vaccination coverage for children remains below the pre-Corona-Status levels, with only 84 percent fully vaccinated.
The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNO) also highlighted the urgent need to immunize children, especially in conflict-affected countries, where vaccination coverage has significantly dropped. Catherine Russell, the acting UNICEF executive director, has called for increased resources and support to ensure every child receives their vaccines.
The World Health Organization has identified gaps in measles vaccination coverage as one of the major challenges. UNICEF's immunization expert, Ephrem Lemango, reported an alarming increase in measles cases in 2023, with more than 300,000 cases, almost three times as many as in 2022.
To address these issues, the World Health Organization has launched a global initiative to increase vaccination coverage, particularly in vulnerable populations. The initiative, which includes partnerships with various UN organizations and governments, aims to immunize at least 80 percent of children worldwide by 2023.
The World Health Organization's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the importance of equitable access to vaccines. He urged governments and international organizations to work together to ensure that all children, regardless of their location or circumstances, are protected against preventable diseases.
