Progress in vaccinating children against life-threatening diseases has stalled in the past two decades, and in some places vaccination coverage has even declined, writes the BBC.
An international study shows that the situation has been made worse by the coronavirus pandemic, and millions of children are not protected from a range of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as tuberculosis, polio and measles. Researchers are calling for more efforts to achieve better and more equitable access to vaccines, and child health experts warn that cuts to funding for international aid programs and the popularity of vaccine skeptics have created a perfect storm.
More than four billion children have been vaccinated since 1974, and an estimated 150 million deaths have been prevented. Vaccination coverage has doubled in almost half a century, but progress has stalled since 2010.
A study published in the British medical journal The Lancet says that the proportion of children vaccinated against rubella has fallen in almost 100 countries.
In 2023, there were almost 16 million children worldwide who did not receive any of the childhood vaccines.
The study’s author, Jonathan Mosser of the University of Washington, pointed out that a large number of children are unvaccinated or have not received all the doses of the vaccine. He said that routine childhood vaccination is one of the most powerful and cost-effective public health tools available, but inequalities, the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, growing misinformation about vaccines and hesitation are all slowing down the progress of vaccination. Mosser added that there is currently an increased risk of outbreaks. The scientist stressed that life-saving immunization must be available to everyone.
There is still a large gap in vaccination coverage between developed and developing countries, but the study authors warn that even in wealthier countries, vaccination rates are falling.
David Elliman of University College London said that a number of factors have contributed to the current situation: “Around the world, the increasing number of countries torn apart by civil unrest and wars, combined with the drastic cuts in foreign aid from rich nations, such as the USA and UK, makes it difficult to get vaccines to many populations.” He added that
forming a position based on ill-informed opinions rather than scientific facts only adds fuel to the fire.
The researchers recommend that all countries strive to strengthen primary health care systems and combat disinformation about vaccines to prevent parental hesitation to vaccinate their children. The study authors also call for addressing the issue of equitable access to vaccines worldwide.
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