Global vaccination efforts have stalled since 2010, leaving millions of children vulnerable to tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, and other preventable diseases. According to a new analysis published in the journal Lancet, protection from measles has dropped by 100 countries between 2010 and 2019, undoing decades of progress.
The World Health Organization’s routine immunization program, established in 1974, had previously protected over 4 billion children against preventable diseases, saving millions of lives. However, coverage rates have dropped significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, with an estimated 15.6 million children missing out on key vaccines. Nearly 16 million children failed to get vaccinated against polio and 9 million missed out on the TB vaccine.
The biggest impact is seen in sub-Saharan Africa, where nearly 500 million children remain unvaccinated. Health advocates have welcomed a new pledge from the British government to provide £1.25 billion between 2026 and 2030 to protect up to 500 million children in some of the world’s poorest countries.
However, public health experts warn that recent funding cuts might affect immunization rates, particularly with President Trump’s withdrawal from the WHO and dismantling of US agencies responsible for global health initiatives. Measles outbreaks are on the rise globally, with a significant increase in the Americas this year compared to 2024. The situation requires immediate attention to prevent further spread of infectious diseases.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/measles-tetanus-vaccine-children-preventable-disease-e33a36e55d70381e4659874a2ecb371a