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 (DTP) than in the previous year, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

The WHO and UNICEF reported that 109 million infants received all three doses of the DTP vaccine last year, while 89% of infants globally - 115 million children - received at just 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, according to the report.

Officials warn of rising “zero-dose” numbers in such regions and signs of stagnation elsewhere.

The joint report added that the global target of 90% remains distant, and measles coverage is far below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks.

Both organizations are urgently calling on governments and relevent partners to: 

• Close the funding gap for Gavi’s next strategic cycle (2026–2030) to protect millions of children in lower-income countries and global health security;
• Strengthen immunization in conflict and fragile settings to reach more zero-dose children and prevent deadly disease outbreaks;
• Prioritize local-led strategies and domestic investment, embedding immunization firmly within primary healthcare systems to close equity gaps;
• Counter misinformation and further increase vaccine uptake through evidence-based approaches;
• Invest in stronger data and disease surveillance systems to guide high-impact immunization programmes.

Progress has been made in expanding vaccines for HPV, meningitis, and polio, with HPV coverage among girls rising from 17% in 2019 to 31% in 2024.

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