Childhood immunization bounces back Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad July 20, 2023: Immunization services in South Asia reached 1.96 million more children in 2022 compared to the previous year, as countries stepped up efforts to address the historic backsliding in immunization caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and save children’s lives. According to data published today by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, the coverage of the third dose of the Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus vaccine (DTP3) increased by 6 percentage points, from 85 percent in 2021 to 91 percent in South Asia. The DTP vaccine is used as the global marker for immunization coverage. “South Asia’s progress to catch up with life-saving vaccinations is tremendous news for the children in the region who now have a better chance of being protected against deadly diseases such as measles, tetanus, and more,” said UNICEF Deputy Regional Director for South Asia, Noala Skinner. “We owe this progress to the leadership of countries, the investment of donors and partners, the tenacity of millions of vaccinators, and the commitment of parents to get their children vaccinated despite several challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic waves.”