Increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, Gavi, & UNICEF

Immunization progress is under threat as misinformation, funding cuts, population growth, and crises hinder efforts, putting millions at risk, warn WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi during World Immunization Week. Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and meningitis are rising, with measles alone affecting over 10 million people in 2023. Global vaccine coverage declines, especially in conflict-affected regions, have left 14.5 million children unvaccinated. WHO reports nearly half of surveyed low-income countries face serious immunization disruptions due to reduced funding. Despite progress—such as new vaccines for meningitis and malaria and improved HPV coverage in Africa—setbacks threaten to reverse gains. Gavi aims to raise $9 billion at its June 2025 summit to protect 500 million children. Immunization offers a $54 return per $1 spent, saving 4.2 million lives annually. The agencies urge renewed global investment and commitment to the Immunization Agenda 2030 to safeguard health and prevent disease outbreaks.

05-05-2025