Millions of Children at Risk as Global Vaccine Uptake Stalls – Health Experts Warn

Accra, Ghana – June 23, 2025 — Global health authorities have raised the alarm over a concerning stall in childhood vaccine uptake, warning that millions of children across the world — especially in developing countries — are at increased risk of preventable diseases such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, and diphtheria.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF report that routine immunization coverage has flatlined or declined in several regions following the COVID-19 pandemic, due to persistent challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, logistical setbacks, and funding constraints.

???? Disturbing Global Trends

According to the latest global immunization report:

• Over 25 million children missed at least one essential vaccine dose in 2024.

• 10 million received no vaccines at all — a figure significantly higher than pre-pandemic years.

• Countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and conflict-prone regions were the most affected.

“What we are witnessing is a silent crisis,” said Dr. Etienne Nyambe, a WHO regional advisor. “Every missed vaccine increases the risk of outbreak, disability, and death.”

???????? The Situation in Ghana

Ghana has historically maintained strong immunization coverage, but recent trends show signs of vulnerability:

• The Ghana Health Service confirmed a dip in pentavalent vaccine coverage, particularly in hard-to-reach communities in the Northern, Upper East, and Western regions.

• Urban slums in Accra and Kumasi have also recorded worrying drops in measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage.

Earlier this year, Ghana reported localized outbreaks of measles, prompting emergency response efforts by GHS and UNICEF.

???? Causes of the Decline

• Post-COVID fatigue and reduced international donor funding.

• Vaccine misinformation, particularly spread through social media platforms.

• Transportation challenges, affecting last-mile delivery in rural and underserved areas.

• Health worker shortages, following migration and burnout.

????️ Call to Action

Global and local health officials are calling for:

• Renewed investment in immunization campaigns and cold-chain infrastructure.

• Community engagement and education to rebuild trust in vaccines.

• Digital systems to track and reach unvaccinated children.

• Catch-up campaigns to vaccinate children who missed routine doses during the pandemic.

“Vaccines are one of humanity’s most powerful tools. To neglect them is to invite preventable tragedy,” said UNICEF Ghana representative, Mrs. Gladys Amonoo.

✅ Government Response

The Ghanaian government, through the Ministry of Health, recently received its first consignment of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and has pledged to intensify immunization efforts nationwide. Plans are underway to re-engage schools, religious groups, and traditional leaders to ensure widespread awareness and uptake.