WHO and UNICEF have unveiled new national immunization coverage estimates (WUENIC), offering the most comprehensive view of global vaccination trends for 13 diseases. The findings present both progress and pressing challenges.
In 2023, 108 million children worldwide received three doses of the DTP vaccine—a key indicator of global immunization success. However, the data also reveals that 14.5 million children missed all DTP doses, putting them at serious risk of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Over half of these children live in fragile, conflict-affected areas, exacerbating their vulnerability.
Additionally, 6.5 million children did not complete their follow-up DTP doses, and global immunization coverage has stalled since 2022. The pandemic has left 600,000 more zero-dose children in 2023 compared to 2022 and 1.7 million more than in 2019. Including under-vaccinated children, this number rises to 2.7 million. This stagnation underscores the need for innovative, locally impactful approaches and stronger political and social leadership to meet the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) targets: 90% coverage and a 50% reduction in zero-dose children by 2030.
Measles vaccine coverage is also concerning. Nearly 35 million children are missing one or more doses, falling short of what’s needed to prevent outbreaks and deaths. The data shows that countries without significant measles outbreaks in the past five years have MCV1 coverage at least 10 percentage points higher than those with outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of high routine immunization coverage.
Despite global challenges, Africa shows promise with a rise in routine immunization coverage. In 2023, 1.5 million more children received DPT vaccines compared to 2019, and the number of zero-dose children dropped from 7.3 million in 2022 to 6.7 million.
WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and other partners are committed to the IA2030 strategy, focusing on universal vaccine access and disease prevention. Success will require revitalizing immunization programs, strengthening community health systems, ensuring vaccine supply, and boosting demand through community engagement. Urgent policy and resource allocation are needed, particularly for measles and zero-dose children.
Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation
On June 20 in Paris, the Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation, hosted by Gavi, the French Government, the African Union, and Team Europe partners, marked a major step in global immunization efforts. The forum launched Gavi’s 2026–2030 Investment Opportunity, aiming to vaccinate one billion children by 2030 despite challenges like climate change and economic instability. Gavi seeks $9 billion in new pledges, with $2.4 billion announced at the event, including $1.58 billion from the United States.
The forum also introduced the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), designed to enhance vaccine production in Africa. Supported by Gavi, the African Union, and Africa CDC, AVMA will receive approximately $1.2 billion in donor funding over the next decade.
Advancing TB Vaccine Development
Following the Second High-Level Meeting of the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council in May, WHO is leading efforts to expedite the development, approval, and use of new tuberculosis (TB) vaccines. WHO has called for proposals to support the TB Vaccine Accelerator secretariat, focusing on vaccine science, product development, financing, and country readiness. A Technical Advisory Group is being formed to provide expertise, and preparations are underway for country workshops and a 2025 TB Vaccine Financing Conference.
