Millions of children at risk as vaccine uptake stalls

Vaccination rates for children are stagnating globally, with millions left unprotected from diseases like measles and polio. This decline has worsened since the Covid pandemic disrupted vaccination programs.

A study published in The Lancet highlights that nearly 16 million children lacked vaccinations in 2023, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Dr. Jonathan Mosser states, "Routine childhood vaccinations are among the most powerful and cost-effective public health interventions available," yet inequalities and misinformation hinder progress.

Experts warn that ongoing cuts to international aid and growing vaccine skepticism risk making the situation worse, leading to increased outbreaks of preventable diseases.