Global childhood immunisation coverage improved in 2025, but millions of children remain unprotected against preventable diseases, according to new data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
The two organisations reported modest gains in routine childhood vaccination worldwide, with more infants receiving life-saving vaccines in 2025 compared with the previous year.
The agencies said 90 per cent of infants received at least one dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) vaccine, while 85 per cent completed the recommended three-dose schedule.
Despite the progress, WHO and UNICEF warned that millions of children continue to miss routine vaccinations due to factors including conflict, humanitarian emergencies, vaccine misinformation and limited access to healthcare services.
The organisations cautioned that low immunisation coverage leaves children vulnerable to diseases such as measles, polio and whooping cough, increasing the risk of outbreaks in several parts of the world.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on governments and health partners to strengthen routine immunisation programmes and increase investment in reaching children in underserved communities.
UNICEF also urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive all recommended vaccines on schedule, describing immunisation as one of the most effective and affordable ways to protect children’s health.
Health experts say sustained investment in vaccination programmes remains essential to preventing avoidable illnesses and reducing child mortality worldwide.
By Mandy Salma Yussif