The progress made in vaccinating children against life-threatening diseases has stalled globally, and some countries have even seen a decline in vaccination rates since 2010. The Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the issue, leaving millions of children unprotected from diseases like measles, tuberculosis, and polio.
According to a new study published in The Lancet, nearly 100 countries have experienced a decline in measles vaccinations. The researchers warn that widespread cuts to international aid budgets and vaccine scepticism are creating a “perfect storm” that threatens the global childhood vaccination programme.
Since 1974, over four billion children have been vaccinated, preventing an estimated 150 million deaths worldwide. However, progress has stagnated since 2010, with significant disparities in vaccine coverage between wealthier and lower-income countries.
The study’s authors recommend strengthening primary healthcare systems and combating misinformation around vaccines to improve vaccination rates. They also call for a concerted effort to provide better and more equal access to vaccines globally.
With nearly 16 million children worldwide not having received any childhood vaccinations by 2023, the risk of outbreaks from diseases like measles, polio, and diphtheria has increased. Experts warn that if the trend is not reversed, more children will be hospitalized, permanently damaged, and die from preventable diseases.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1ljv2mvr00o