New Delhi, July 15 (UNI) India has made significant strides in childhood immunisation, achieving a 43% reduction in the number of zero-dose children to .9 million in 2024 against 1.6 million the previous year, according to a joint statement by World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF here.
This development comes as part of a broader regional success, with South Asia reaching its highest-ever levels of immunisation coverage, said the statement.
As per the report, 92% of infants in the region received their third dose of the Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP) vaccine in 2024 — a two percentage point increase from the previous year and a strong indicator of post-pandemic recovery.
“This is a proud moment for the region,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia. “More children are protected today than ever before, thanks to tireless frontline health workers, strong government leadership, the support of donors and partners, and the unwavering trust of families.”
The proportion of children receiving their first dose of the DTP vaccine in South Asia rose from 93% in 2023 to 95% in 2024. The number of zero-dose children across the region declined by 27%, from 2.5 million to 1.8 million.
Nepal reported a 52% reduction in zero-dose children, bringing its numbers down from 23,000 to 11,000. Pakistan achieved its highest-ever DTP3 coverage at 87%. However, Afghanistan saw a one percentage point decline in coverage and continues to have the lowest immunisation rates in the region.
In measles immunisation, 93% of infants across South Asia received the first dose, and 88% received the second dose in 2024 — up from 90% and 87%, respectively, in 2023. Consequently, measles cases dropped sharply by 39%, from over 90,000 cases in 2023 to around 55,000 this year, as per the agencies.
Despite these gains, vaccine coverage remains below the 95% threshold required to prevent outbreaks. Dr. Thaksaphon Thamarangsi, Director of Programme Management at WHO South-East Asia Region, welcomed the progress but urged governments to sustain momentum. “It is heartening to see the region reach its highest ever immunisation rates, surpassing even pre-pandemic levels. We must build on this progress and reach every child with life-saving vaccines,” he said.
India has attributed success of its Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), which provides free vaccination services annually to 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore infants (0–1 year) to healthcare workers ASHAs and ANMs.
While the gains are notable, more than 2.9 million children in South Asia continue to remain under- or unvaccinated, the report noted, underscoring the need for continued investment in immunisation services, especially amid global concerns around vaccine hesitancy and health service disruptions in conflict-affected areas.
