WHO and UNICEF estimates of immunisation coverage (WUENIC)

As per the WHO and UNICEF estimates of national immunisation coverage (WUENIC), in 2023, global immunization coverage for children showed a decline, which affected millions worldwide.

What is the status of measles vaccination?

Global measles vaccine coverage in 2023 was below the required threshold:

• The first dose coverage was 83%, while the second dose coverage reached 74%.
• These rates are insufficient to prevent outbreaks and achieve elimination goals.
• Significant measles outbreaks occurred in countries with low vaccine coverage.
• India had notable challenges, with 1.6 million children unvaccinated for measles in 2023.

What is the status of HPV vaccine coverage?

HPV vaccine coverage showed progress but remains below targets:

• Global coverage for at least one dose increased from 20% in 2022 to 27% in 2023.
• Coverage in high-income countries was at 56%, and 23% in low- and middle-income countries.
• India has not yet introduced free HPV vaccination, despite cervical cancer being the second-highest cancer among Indian women, comprising 18% of female cancers.

What is the status of DPT vaccine coverage?

Coverage for the third dose of the DPT vaccine decreased in 2023:

• Global coverage was at 84%, with 6.5 million children missing the third dose.
• In India, DPT coverage was 93%, but 1.6 million children were still zero-dose.
• The number of under-vaccinated children was 2.04 million, slightly lower than in 2019.

Other key data:

• Overall, 14.5 million children worldwide did not receive any vaccination in 2023.
  • This number increased from 13.9 million in 2022.
• Over half of the unvaccinated children live in 31 countries affected by conflict and instability.
• Immunization efforts are complicated by disruptions in healthcare, logistical challenges, and vaccine hesitancy.

Challenges Faced in Immunization:

• Resource limitations: Includes trained manpower, infrastructure for vaccine storage, and logistics.
• Systemic issues: Lack of centralized record systems, pressure to meet targets, limited accountability.
• Accessibility and follow-up: Inadequate follow-up on unvaccinated individuals, no proactive outreach.

Immunisation in India:

• Full immunisation coverage according to NFHS-5 (2019-21) is at 76.1%, indicating one out of every four children is missing essential vaccines.

Universal Immunization Programme (UIP):

• Launched in 1978, expanded in 1985, integral part of the National Rural Health Mission since 2005.
• Provides free immunisation against 12 diseases.
• National coverage includes 9 diseases; sub-national includes an additional 3.

Mission Indradhanush:

• launched in 2014 and Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 5.0 in 2023 aimed at reaching unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children and pregnant women.
• 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women vaccinated so far.

Conclusion

While there have been setbacks in reaching global immunization targets, the data highlights the need for intensified efforts to close vaccination gaps. Strategies must focus on reaching vulnerable populations, particularly in conflict-affected regions and during logistical and seasonal challenges, to prevent disease outbreaks and achieve health goals by 2030.

Ref: Source-1, Source 2

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