14.5 Million Children Missed Out on Lifesaving Vaccines Globally in 2023, Warns WHO

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), immunization initiatives faced obstacles due to inequalities, conflicts, misinformation, and funding shortfalls, leading to an estimated 14.5 million children worldwide—about three million of them from the Eastern Mediterranean Region—not receiving any routine vaccinations in 2023.

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The WHO stated in a statement released during World Immunization Week 2025 that although vaccines save six lives per minute—every single day—for the past five decades, disparities in vaccination rates remain a major hurdle to overall global health. These discrepancies are notably stark when comparing affluent countries with those of lower income and areas affected by conflicts.

The United Nations agency stated that vaccines stand as one of mankind’s most significant accomplishments, attributing them with contributing to 40 percent of the enhancement in child survival rates over the past fifty years, thus allowing a greater number of children than ever to reach their first birthday.

WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy, stated millions of vulnerable children in the Eastern Mediterranean Region are being deprived of protection against diseases like diphtheria, polio, measles and tetanus.

Dr. Balkhy added, "Conflicts, forced displacements, reluctance towards vaccines, and insufficient funds are hindering healthcare services. In 2024, a drop in immunization rates led to the resurgence of polio in Gaza after a quarter-century absence. It is essential that every child receives protection regardless of their identity or location."

She emphasized that vaccinating all children via regular and additional immunization initiatives is essential for halting the spread of wild poliovirus, which persists as an ongoing issue in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and to stop new cases of variant poliovirus from emerging.

As she stated, the strategic plan for implementing the Immunisation Agenda 2030 within the Eastern Mediterranean Region, unveiled at the 71st meeting of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean held in October 2024, offers a customized pathway toward reaching the agenda’s objectives. This approach takes into account the distinct circumstances of every nation within this area.

Dr. Balkhy highlighted the critical nature of the circumstances, urging governments to make immunization funding a priority and advocating for regional unity to address disparities.

Through investment in vaccination programs, governments can avoid catastrophic disease outbreaks and lessen the ongoing strain on healthcare infrastructures and economies. As indicated by World Health Organization research, each dollar put into vaccines yields an economic gain of up to $44.

During World Immunization Week 2025, which runs from April 24th through April 30th, the international health community unites to emphasize the critical role vaccines play in saving lives and advocates for an increased dedication to ensuring vaccinations reach everyone globally.

Under the slogan "Immunization for All is Humanly Possible," this year's initiative emphasizes that through joint efforts and investments, we can ensure protection against all vaccine-preventable illnesses for everyone.

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