Global childhood vaccination coverage improved modestly in 2025, with more children receiving routine immunizations that protect against life-threatening diseases. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF warn that 13.5 million children still did not receive a single routine vaccine, leaving them vulnerable to preventable illnesses.
According to the latest global immunization estimates released by the two UN agencies, most of these “zero-dose” children live in countries affected by conflict, humanitarian crises, weak health systems, and persistent barriers to healthcare. Misinformation about vaccines and funding shortfalls have also slowed progress in several regions.
Vaccination remains one of the most effective public health interventions, preventing millions of deaths every year from diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. Health experts warn that when vaccination rates decline, outbreaks become more likely, putting entire communities especially infants and vulnerable populations at greater risk.While the report highlights encouraging gains in routine immunization worldwide, WHO and UNICEF say progress remains uneven and fragile.
They are urging governments and international partners to strengthen immunization programmes, improve access to healthcare in underserved communities, and invest in health systems capable of reaching every child.The agencies also called on parents and caregivers to ensure children receive all recommended vaccines on schedule, stressing that maintaining high vaccination coverage is essential to preventing the resurgence of diseases that are largely avoidable through immunization.
The findings underscore that although the world is making progress in protecting children from preventable diseases, millions are still being left behind, highlighting the need for sustained investment and global cooperation to achieve universal immunization.
