WHO: Millions Unprotected Despite Vaccine Success in South-East Asia

Top Summary

• What happened: WHO South-East Asia calls for sustained vaccination efforts to reach unprotected populations.
• Why it matters: Millions remain unvaccinated, increasing the risk of outbreaks like the ongoing measles situation in Bangladesh.
• What changes: Increased focus on access, service delivery, and targeted approaches for vulnerable populations.
• Who is affected: Infants, children, and vulnerable populations in the WHO South-East Asia Region, including those in remote areas and migrant communities.

Vaccines Save Millions, Gaps Remain

The World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia emphasized the critical need for sustained efforts to ensure vaccines reach every community. Despite significant progress, millions remain unprotected.

Over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved over 154 million lives globally, including an estimated 38 million in the WHO South-East Asia Region.

Immunization has contributed to a 22% reduction in infant mortality in the Region.

"Vaccines are one of the most powerful and cost-effective health investments we have," said Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Region.

Addressing Immunization Gaps

In 2024, over 14 million infants globally received no vaccines, while nearly 20 million missed at least one essential dose.

These figures highlight the urgent need for focused efforts on improving access and service delivery, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations.

Sustaining high immunization coverage is crucial. Gaps can dramatically increase the risk of disease outbreaks.

Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh

The ongoing measles situation in Bangladesh underscores the importance of timely vaccinations.

The government, with partner support, is scaling up a nationwide measles and rubella vaccination campaign to reach 18.03 million children aged 6 months to 5 years, including 182,270 children in Cox's Bazar.

"Achieving and sustaining high immunization coverage remains critical, as any gaps can increase the risk of outbreaks," Dr Boehme said.

Regional Progress and Challenges

The WHO South-East Asia Region has made notable progress with sustained political commitment and investment.

Currently, over 94% of children receive three doses of DTP-containing vaccine, compared to just 5% in the early years of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).

• Eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus
• Eliminated and sustained polio-free status since 2014
• Advanced progress towards measles and rubella elimination

Countries have introduced new vaccines, including injectable Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine, Human Papillomavirus vaccine, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine and rotavirus.

Reaching the Unreached

An estimated 1.9 million children in the Region remain "zero-dose", meaning they have not received a single vaccine.

These children often live in remote areas, urban informal settlements, border regions, or among migrant populations, facing barriers like distance, cost, and access to services.

WHO emphasizes targeted, data-informed approaches and strengthened last-mile delivery.

Equity and Community Engagement

"Equity remains central to immunization efforts," said Dr Boehme. "Reaching those who are currently underserved is an important measure of health system performance."

Health workers are the most trusted source of information and play a vital role in supporting informed decision-making.

Countries must navigate evolving dynamics including climate change, urbanization, migration and fiscal pressures.

Expanding Immunization Efforts

WHO calls for expanding immunization across the life course, including vaccines for adolescents, adults, and older populations.

This approach is essential to respond to changing demographic and health needs.

"Vaccines save lives," said Dr Boehme. "Ensuring they reach everyone is both achievable and essential for stronger, more resilient societies."

What to Watch Next

Future developments will focus on implementing targeted strategies to reach zero-dose children and expanding immunization programs to cover all age groups. Continued monitoring of measles outbreaks and vaccine coverage rates will be crucial to assess progress and adapt strategies accordingly.