14 million children failed to receive a vaccine last year
- Over 14 million children globally did not receive any vaccinations last year.
- Nine countries accounted for more than half of these unvaccinated children.
- Health experts warn of the consequences of declining vaccination rates on public health.
In 2024, more than 14 million children around the world missed out on receiving any vaccines, as reported by U.N. health officials. This figure remains consistent with reports from the previous year. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF emphasized that access to vaccines is significantly unequal worldwide, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Nine countries—Nigeria, India, Sudan, Congo, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Angola—account for more than half of unvaccinated children. While global vaccine coverage for the diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccine reached 89% among infants, the impact of misinformation and reduced international aid poses serious challenges to improving vaccination rates. Furthermore, only 76% of children globally received both doses of the measles vaccine, far below the 95% coverage needed to avert outbreaks. Recent reports indicated measles outbreaks in over 60 countries last year, with the U.K. witnessing a child death attributed to the disease. Despite extensive awareness campaigns and a high level of parental confidence in vaccine safety, vaccination rates remain alarmingly low in many regions. Experts warn that decreasing vaccination rates against preventable diseases may lead to severe public health crises.