WHO calls for renewed focus on equity as millions remain unvaccinated in South-East Asia despite decades of progress

The World Health Organization South-East Asia today called for sustained efforts to ensure vaccines reach every community, noting that millions remain unprotected despite one of the most successful public health interventions in history.

Over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 154 million lives globally - including an estimated 38 million in the WHO South-East Asia Region alone. 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. "Maximizing their impact depends on ensuring they reach everyone, everywhere."

In 2024, more than 14 million infants globally received no vaccines, while nearly 20 million missed at least one essential dose. These figures highlight the need for continued focus on access and service delivery, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations.

"Achieving and sustaining high immunization coverage remains critical, as any gaps can increase the risk of outbreaks. The ongoing measles situation in Bangladesh highlights this risk. The Government, supported by partners, 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. This underscores the importance of ensuring all children receive timely, life-saving vaccines, particularly in high-risk and vulnerable settings," Dr Boehme said.

The WHO South-East Asia Region - home to a quarter of the world's population - has made notable progress through sustained political commitment and investment. Today, more than 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).

Since its launch in the 1970s, immunization programmes in the Region have expanded from protecting against six diseases to covering 13 antigens. These efforts have helped eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus, eliminate and sustain polio-free status since 2014, and advance progress towards measles and rubella elimination. Countries have introduced multiple new vaccines in recent years including injectable Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine, Human Papillomavirus vaccine to protect against cervical cancer, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine and rotavirus.

The Region has also emerged as a global hub for vaccine production, contributing nearly half of the world's vaccine supply - supporting both regional and global health security.

At the same time, an estimated 1.9 million children in the Region remain "zero-dose", meaning they have not received a single vaccine. Many live in remote areas, urban informal settlements, border regions, or among migrant populations, and may face barriers such as distance, cost, documentation and access to services.

WHO emphasized that reaching these communities requires targeted, data-informed approaches, strengthened last-mile delivery, and services designed around people's needs.

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

She also highlighted the importance of trust and community engagement. Health workers remain the most trusted source of information and play a key role in supporting informed decision-making and sustaining confidence in vaccines.
As countries navigate evolving dynamics including climate change, urbanization, migration and fiscal pressures, immunization continues to be a cornerstone of resilient health systems. Strong programmes not only prevent disease but also enhance preparedness for health emergencies. Vaccines also contribute to addressing antimicrobial resistance by reducing infections and the need for antibiotics.

Looking ahead, the Officer-in-Charge called for expanding immunization across the life course, including vaccines for adolescents, adults and older populations, 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."

About World Immunization Week

World Immunization Week, observed from 24-30 April, promotes the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. The 2026 theme, "For Every Generation, Vaccines Work," highlights the importance of equitable access to immunization across the life course.