Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 16: South Asia has reached its highest-ever immunization coverage for children, with India and Nepal showing remarkable progress in reducing the number of unvaccinated children, according to new data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF for the year 2024.
India witnessed a 43% drop in zero-dose children — those who have not received any vaccines — from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024. Nepal recorded a 52% reduction, bringing the number down from 23,000 to 11,000.
Pakistan achieved its best-ever DTP3 (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) vaccine coverage at 87%, while Afghanistan continued to struggle, witnessing a decline in immunization rates.
“This is a proud moment for South Asia. More children are protected today than ever before,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia. “But we must continue reaching those still unprotected, especially in remote areas.”
In 2024, 92% of infants in South Asia received the third dose of the DTP vaccine — a two-point increase over the previous year. The first-dose DTP coverage also improved to 95%, showing strong recovery beyond pre-COVID levels.
The region saw a 27% decline in zero-dose children, from 2.5 million in 2023 to 1.8 million in 2024. Measles control efforts also gained ground, with 93% receiving the first dose and 88% the second. Reported measles cases fell from 90,000 in 2023 to 55,000 in 2024 — a 39% reduction.
“It is heartening to see the region surpass even pre-pandemic trends. We must now work harder to reach every child,” said Dr Thaksaphon Thamarangsi of WHO South-East Asia.
HPV vaccine coverage among adolescent girls saw improvement, with South Asia reaching 9% in 2024, up from 2% in 2023. Bangladesh led the way by vaccinating over 7.1 million girls since launching its HPV programme last year.
Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka also reported significant gains in HPV vaccine coverage. Nepal launched a national campaign in February 2025, vaccinating over 1.4 million girls. India and Pakistan are set to roll out their HPV programmes later this year.
Behind this progress are robust government efforts, digital innovations, targeted outreach, and the dedication of frontline health workers, many of whom are women.
Despite these strides, over 2.9 million children in South Asia remain un- or under-vaccinated. WHO and UNICEF have called on regional governments to boost domestic financing, expand HPV coverage, and invest more in frontline workers and surveillance systems to sustain this momentum.