14.3 Million Children Unvaccinated Globally in 2024

In 2024, about 14.3 million children worldwide remain completely unvaccinated, and 20 million missed at least one vaccine dose, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable diseases, according to WHO and UNICEF. There has been a slight improvement, with a million more children completing the three-dose DTP vaccine series compared to the previous year. However, progress is at risk due to drastic cuts in international aid, especially following U.S. funding withdrawals, rising vaccine misinformation, and ongoing global conflicts. Nine countries, including Nigeria, India, and Sudan, account for more than half of all 'zero-dose' children. Coverage for other vaccines, such as MMR, has stagnated or declined in several regions, increasing the risk of outbreaks. Health officials warn that without renewed funding and efforts to combat misinformation, decades of progress in childhood immunization could be undone.