The State of the World's Children 2023

For Every Child, Vaccination

A nurse vaccinates a baby while he is being held by his mother
UNICEF/UN0701124/N'Daou

Highlights

Globally, an estimated 67 million children missed out entirely or partially on routine immunization from 2019 to 2021. In West and Central Africa, this figure is 19.5 million children. As these children pass the age when vaccines are routinely given, it will require a dedicated effort to ensure that they catch up with their vaccinations. The pandemic also exposed – and exacerbated – persistent weaknesses in health systems and primary health care.

Nothing will happen unless we garner the political will – globally, nationally and locally – to protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Now is the time to protect the health of every child.

A cover featuring a smiling baby
Author(s)
UNICEF
Publication date
Languages
English

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