80 Million Children Under One at Risk as COVID-19 Disrupts Vaccinations
Gavi, WHO, and UNICEF warn that COVID-19 is disrupting routine immunization services, putting at least 80 million children under one at risk of diseases like diphtheria and measles. Global vaccination efforts have faced significant setbacks.
Global health organizations Gavi, the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF have issued a stark warning regarding the disruption of routine immunization services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At least 80 million children under the age of one worldwide are now at risk of contracting preventable diseases such as diphtheria, measles, and polio.
The disruptions to vaccination services are widespread and potentially unprecedented since the 1970s. Data indicates that routine childhood immunization services have been significantly hindered or suspended entirely in at least 68 countries during March-April 2020, affecting an estimated 80 million children. Reasons for these service interruptions include parental reluctance to seek healthcare due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, lack of information, and fear of contracting COVID-19. Many healthcare workers are also unavailable due to redeployment or lack of protective equipment.
Transportation delays for vaccines are exacerbating the situation. Mass vaccination campaigns, particularly for measles and polio, have been severely impacted, with suspensions reported in multiple countries. The organizations are calling for a coordinated effort to safely deliver routine immunizations and resume vaccination campaigns for deadly, vaccine-preventable diseases.
Health leaders emphasize that the fight against one disease must not compromise decades of progress against others. The upcoming Global Vaccine Summit is set to secure funding and continuity for immunization programs, especially in vulnerable nations, ensuring access to vital vaccines for children most in need.