Health Talk: India ranks 2nd in unvaccinated kids but comparison somewhat flawed
India has had the most number of unvaccinated children— 1.4 million— after Nigeria (2.5million), of the 15.7 million unvaccinated children globally in 2023, data published in The Lancet on Tuesday said. The world has made unprecedented progress in vaccinating children against life-threatening disease since WHO established the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in 1974 (HT Photo/ Representative photo)
According to the paper, at least half of the world's 15.7 million unvaccinated children in the same year were living in just eight countries, with 53% in sub-Saharan Africa and 13% in south Asia.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (882,000), Ethiopia (782,000), Somalia (710,000), Sudan (627,000), Indonesia (538,000), and Brazil (452,000) were the other countries with high unvaccinated children load globally.
In the south Asian region, the countries with the highest number of zero-dose children in 2023 after India were Pakistan (419,000), Nepal (11,000), and Bangladesh (6,000).
The paper also has new projections through 2030 on global childhood vaccine coverage that shows that the world will fail to meet the World Health Organisation's (WHO) immunisation goals unless substantial improvements are made in the next five years.
'The world has made unprecedented progress in vaccinating children against life-threatening disease since WHO established the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in 1974. Despite the progress of the past 50 years, the last two decades have also been marked by stagnating childhood vaccination rates and wide variation in vaccine coverage. These challenges have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving millions of children vulnerable to preventable diseases and death…,' read the paper.
Also Read: Health Talk | Need for quick vaccine development to save lives
While India has been ranked as the country with the second highest number of zero-dose children, the comparison is somewhat flawed. As the ministry of health and family welfare, government of India, has been maintaining that India's vaccination coverage among children has been growing steadily but owing to the country's large population, their comparison with most other countries cannot be without error.
Last year, officials aware of the matter in the government, responded to vaccination coverage estimates released by WHO and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) that showed at 1.6 million India had the second highest zero-dose children in the world after Nigeria with 2.1 million unvaccinated children. The officials said that the estimates were flawed as the country's base population had not been taken into consideration while calculating the numbers and if the population had been considered then the percentage would be much less.
Also Read: Health Talk | The crucial role of effective vaccine coverage in tackling antimicrobial resistance
It is a valid argument as any numbers coming from India— without considering its baseline population— would seem through the roof. The estimation has to grow more nuanced.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Belapur to get 500-bed super specialty hosp post CRZ nod
Navi Mumbai: The state govt approved construction of a 500-bed super-specialty hospital in Belapur to be built in phases. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) received directives to commence this significant project, which aims to enhance public healthcare services in Navi Mumbai. NMMC Commissioner Kailas Shinde confirmed obtaining essential permissions, including environment clearance and new development plan approval. The initial phase involves creating a 100-bed facility at a cost of Rs 250 crore. A previous tender process was suspended due to a High Court PIL regarding environment clearance and development plan approval issues. With current govt authorisation, NMMC plans to present the acquired permissions to the court to proceed with the public hospital construction. "The tender validity was extended and opening of the bidding will commence shortly. The govt urged swift construction initiation for public benefit," Shinde stated. "The comprehensive project, valued at Rs 800 crore, encompasses a medical college and super-specialty hospital with 500 beds. Phase one involves establishing a 100-bed super-specialty hospital at Rs 250 crore. Phase two, budgeted at Rs 550 crore, includes medical college construction and hospital expansion from 100 to 500 beds," explained Belapur MLA Manda Mhatre, who communicated with the chief minister for approval. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The project faced challenges with partial land falling under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), requiring clearance. Additionally, NMMC's new draft Development Plan (DP) awaited state approval. "We secured both DP approval and CRZ clearance, clearing construction obstacles," confirmed Shinde. A civic official noted that while the plot was previously designated as a playground in the old DP, NMMC's new DP redesignated it for healthcare facilities. Phase one completion is estimated at 3-4 years. Cidco allocated approximately 32,000 square metres at plot 4, sector 15A, adjacent to civic headquarters in Belapur, for the medical college and super-specialty hospital. NMMC paid Rs 88 crore to Cidco for the land. "The development will utilise 22,000 square metres beyond CRZ restrictions, with approval secured. The remaining 10,000 square metres under CRZ remains non-developable," NMMC clarified. "The pandemic highlighted the necessity for public healthcare facilities when Covid patients struggled to access affordable treatment and specialist care," Mhatre noted. Cidco sources indicate the plot's designation in NMMC's draft DP as a park could be modified for healthcare purposes. However, local residents who use the space as a recreational area expressed opposition.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Zero-dose children in India declined from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024: Union Health Ministry
New Delhi: The percentage of zero-dose children (Those who have not received a single vaccine ) in India has declined from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The ministry attributed the achievement to continued and sustained efforts and intensified implementation of vaccination drives and campaigns across the country. These achievements have positioned India as a global exemplar in child health, as acknowledged by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) in its 2024 report. India has been bestowed with the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award by The Measles and Rubella Partnership (American Red Cross, BMGF, GAVI, US CDC, UNF, UNICEF, and WHO) at the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington, DC, USA on March 6th, 2024, for its committed endeavours, said the ministry. The effect of the increased number of lifesaving vaccines in reducing mortality and morbidity in children due to diarrhea, pneumonia, meningitis & encephalitis is also clearly observable. As per the latest SRS (2020-22), the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of India has declined from 130/lakh live births in 2014-16 to 88/lakh live births in 2020-22. As per the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (UN-MMEIG 2000-2023) report, the MMR of India stands at 80 per lakh live births, reflecting an 86% decline relative to the global reduction of 48% since 1990. As per the United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME 2024 Report), India achieved a 78% decline in the Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) surpassing the global reduction of 61% and 70% decline in the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) compared to 54% globally during 1990 - 2023. In addition to focused attention on increasing vaccination coverage, India's Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) embodies a comprehensive range of vaccines recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Till 2013, there were only six available vaccines in the program. From 2014, six new vaccines (namely Inactivated Polio-virus Vaccine, Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), Measles-Rubella Vaccine, Adult Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine and Tetanus-Diphtheria Vaccine) have been introduced in the programme. Currently, India's UIP covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases and has seen significant expansion. With continued focus on improving vaccine coverage, India has taken a proactive and inclusive approach to reach underserved populations. The Govt of India, in consultation with all States/UTs, has launched targeted campaigns to address challenges among zero-dose children, particularly in urban slums, peri-urban areas, migratory populations, hard-to-reach regions, and communities affected by vaccine hesitancy. These efforts are also aligned with the National goal of eliminating Measles and Rubella. "To amplify our reach, we are leveraging technology and community engagement. The U-WIN platform tracks immunisation status digitally, ensuring no child is missed. Public awareness campaigns are being intensified using mass media, community radio, social media, and even street plays to educate families. Healthcare workers, ASHAs, and ANMs will go door-to-door, not just to vaccinate, but to sensitise the beneficiaries about the benefits of vaccination," the ministry said in a press release. Some key initiatives include: Zero Dose Implementation Plan 2024: Rolled out across 143 districts in 11 states with a high burden of unvaccinated children. Mission Indradhanush (Since 2014): Intensified in 2017 in collaboration with state governments, it has vaccinated 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women previously unreached or under-vaccinated. Pulse Polio Campaigns: Through National Immunization Days (NIDs) and Sub-National Immunization Days (SNIDs), India has maintained polio-free status since 2014. Village Health and Nutrition Days (VHNDs): Organized regularly for immunization and outreach activities at the community level. Multi-tiered Task Forces: State (STFI), District (DTFI), and Block (BTFI) level task forces ensure coordinated and effective implementation. Regular IEC (Information, Education, Communication) Campaigns: Help increase awareness and combat vaccine hesitancy. The annual birth cohort in India (2.6 crore) exceeds the total population of several countries, including New Zealand, Australia, Finland, and Switzerland. Given the varying sizes of the countries across the globe, the percentage comparison shows it at par with the vaccination coverage levels observed in many high-income countries for e.g., New Zealand (DTP-1 93%), Germany & Finland (DPT-3 91%), Sweden (MCV-1 93%), Luxembourg (MCV-2 90%), Ireland (PCV-3 83%), United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Rota C 90%). ( WUNEIC report 2023). The comparative results of countries on zero dose children as a percentage of the total population shows that Yemen (1.68%), Sudan (1.45%), Angola (1.1%), Afghanistan (1.1%), Nigeria (0.98%), DR Congo (0.82%), Ethiopia (0.72%), Indonesia (0.23%), Pakistan (0.16%) have far more zero dose children as a percentage of their population compared to India's (0.11% during 2023 as per the last Wuneic report released. Any comparison of India with any other countries with high burden zero-dose children needs to take into consideration India's large population size and high vaccination coverage rate. Therefore, any interpretation or analysis based on isolated factors does not lend credence to the country's progress on its immunisation program, said the ministry. The Universal immunisation program has always been prioritised by the Government of India to ensure that the children of our country are protected against deadly diseases. Elimination of Polio in 2014 and Maternal & Neonatal Tetanus in 2015, and the recent launch of the Measles Rubella campaign in 2025 is a testament to the fact. With focused strategies and committed healthcare workers, the endeavour will always be last-mile delivery to ensure comprehensive vaccination coverage. Vaccination remains one of the most powerful and cost-effective public health interventions. India's unwavering commitment to immunization is evident through its Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), which provides free vaccination services annually to 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore infants (0-1 year).
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
No COVID-19 case reported in Mumbai on Fri, says BMC; asks public not to lower guard
Mumbai: No COVID-19 case was reported in Mumbai on Friday, the feat achieved for the first time in about two months, the metropolis' civic body said. In a release, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation also said no new or concerning variant of the virus has been detected in the city as per the Whole Genome Sequencing Report . Mumbai recorded six COVID-19 cases between January and April this year, before a surge in May saw the detection of 435 cases, while the figure for June stood at 539, the release informed. As on Friday, there are 62 active COVID-19 cases in the city, though all patients are showing mild symptoms, the civic body pointed out. "The city witnessed a steady decline in weekly COVID-19 cases in June. The first week of the month saw 202 cases, followed by 186 in the second week, 99 in the third, and just 30 cases in the fourth week. The declining trend and zero-case count are highly positive and important indicators for both the public and the health system," it said. However, citizens should not lower their guard, the BMC emphasised. "Patients showing influenza-like illness (ILI), severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), or COVID-like symptoms are advised to immediately consult a municipal clinic, hospital, or their family doctor. Vulnerable groups, including senior citizens and individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, or kidney ailments, must take extra precautions," the release said. Civic authorities also urged the public to continue practicing cough etiquette, wash hands regularly with soap and water, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to help prevent further spread of the virus.
