One million more children received key vaccines in 2024, but global targets remain at risk

In 2024, one million more children completed the full three-dose vaccination series for diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough than in the previous year, according to new WHO data.

The World Health Organization and UNICEF reported that 109 million infants received all three doses of the DTP vaccine last year, while 89% of infants globally received at least one dose. Despite the improvement, 14.3 million children still received no vaccines at all, missing critical protection.

The world remains off track for the Immunization Agenda 2030 goals, with fragile and conflict-affected countries accounting for half of all unvaccinated children. Officials warn of rising “zero-dose” numbers in such regions and signs of stagnation elsewhere.

Progress has been seen in expanding vaccines for HPV, meningitis, and polio, with HPV coverage among girls rising from 17% in 2019 to 31% in 2024. Still, the global target of 90% remains distant, and measles coverage is far below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks.

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