Global Childhood Immunization Rates Show Slight Increase, But Millions Remain Unprotected Amid Rising Outbreaks

Global childhood vaccination rates saw a slight increase in 2025, with 90% of infants receiving at least one dose of the DTP vaccine and 85% completing the full three-dose series. However, 13.5 million children remain "zero-dose" (unvaccinated), and progress is hindered by high drop-out rates and increasing disease outbreaks, particularly measles. Funding cuts starting in early 2025 raise concerns for the 2026 outlook, with WHO officials warning of "real cracks in the system" and potential for more outbreaks.