GENEVA, Switzerland – Despite efforts to boost global immunization, approximately 20 million infants worldwide missed at least one dose of critical vaccines in 2024, including 14 million who received no vaccinations at all.
This data, released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, highlights persistent gaps in protecting children from deadly diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough.
While around 115 million babies received at least one dose of the DTP-containing vaccine and over 109 million completed all three doses last year, the significant number of unvaccinated children remains a serious concern.
The international organizations point to conflicts, widespread misinformation, and limited access to health services as primary barriers preventing children from receiving life-saving protection.
In response, WHO and UNICEF are issuing an urgent call to action. They advocate for intensified efforts to close immunization gaps, strengthen health systems globally, and actively combat vaccine myths. Both organizations emphasize that collective action is essential to ensure every child is protected, reiterating that “every vaccine shot counts in saving lives.”
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
