4 million more children were vaccinated in 2022 than in 2021, and while these are positive figures, large gaps remain, with regional and global averages masking persistent deep inequalities, particularly in low-income countries.

Over 20 million children failed to receive one or more vaccines in 2022, and nearly 15 million received none. While these numbers on immunization gaps are lower than in 2021, they are higher than pre-pandemic.

We remain far from reaching targets set for childhood immunization against measles, human papillomavirus, yellow fever and many other easily preventable diseases, leading to increased risk of epidemics and suffering for many, said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Out of the 75 countries where vaccination was significantly reduced, only 15 have regained pre-pandemic levels, while in the rest of the countries the situation remains stagnant or even continues to decline, Ghebreyesus warned.

In response to this situation, WHO, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other bodies, in collaboration with the most affected nations, have launched the Great Catch-Up project which aims to strengthen immunization infrastructure, fully reinstate services and vaccinate neglected children.

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