- Vaccination, credited with preventing over 4.2 million deaths annually (WHO), is among the most cost-effective public health tools. A concerning global resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles and polio, fueled by disrupted services, misinformation, and funding gaps, threatens to reverse decades of immunization progress, with 14.5 million children missing all routine vaccines in 2023 alone.
Current Status of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Global Scenario
- Rise in Missed Vaccinations: In 2023, 14.5 million children missed all routine vaccines, up from 12.9 million in 2019 (WHO-UNICEF).
- Service Disruptions: 50% of low-income nations faced moderate to severe immunisation disruptions (WHO).
- Measles Resurgence in Developed Nations: U.S. reported 935 measles cases in 2025, triple that of 2024, despite earlier elimination.
- Polio Re-emergence in Africa: Ongoing outbreaks linked to delayed campaigns and low coverage (GPEI, 2023).
- High-Risk Conflict Zones: 15 million children in fragile/conflict-hit areas missed routine doses.
India’s Status
- Major Milestones Achieved: India successfully eradicated polio in 2014 and eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015.
- Robust Immunisation Infrastructure: India administers vaccines to 26 million newborns and 34 million pregnant women each year, conducting over 13 million sessions nationwide.
- Persistent Coverage Gaps: 23.9% of children remain incompletely immunised (NFHS-5).
Key Reasons for the Surge in Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
- Disruption in Immunisation Programs: In 108 countries, nearly 50% of low- and lower-middle-income nations reported severe disruptions in routine vaccination due to reduced donor funding. (WHO)
- Rising Number of Unvaccinated Children: 14.5 million children missed all routine vaccinations, reversing years of immunization progress (WHO/UNICEF).
- Conflict and Fragility: More than 50% of unvaccinated children reside in conflict-affected or unstable regions, where access to health services is unreliable or non-existent (UNICEF).
- Vaccine Hesitancy: WHO identifies misinformation-driven hesitancy as a significant global health threat, leading to reduced vaccine uptake across all income levels.
- Funding Cuts: WHO and UNICEF warn that declining immunisation funding threatens initiatives like the ‘Big Catch-Up’, endangering protection for over 15 million vulnerable children.
Significance of Vaccination
- Health Impact: Vaccination prevents approximately 4.2 million deaths annually, offering protection against 14 major vaccine-preventable diseases (Source: WHO).
- Child Survival: Has contributed to a 40% improvement in under-five survival rates since the initiation of global immunisation programs in 1974.
- Economic Returns: Delivers a return of $54 for every $1 spent, through reduced healthcare costs, increased productivity, and prevention of economic disruptions caused by outbreaks.
- Herd Immunity: Provides community-level protection, safeguarding individuals who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants, the elderly, or those with immunocompromised conditions.
- Outbreak Prevention: Maintains disease control and containment, preventing the resurgence of deadly infectious diseases like measles, diphtheria, and polio.
Challenges to Global Vaccination Efforts
- Post-COVID Setbacks: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine immunisation services worldwide, reversing decades of progress in vaccine coverage.
- Funding Shortfalls: Significant decline in donor support has led to shortages in routine immunisation financing, affecting outreach in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
- Misinformation & Vaccine Hesitancy: Rampant spread of myths and conspiracy theories via social media platforms has eroded public trust in vaccines across all income groups.
- Conflict & Fragile Settings: Over 50% of missed vaccinations occur in regions affected by conflict or fragility, where access to healthcare is unreliable or nonexistent (UNICEF).
- Weak Health Systems: Inadequate cold chain infrastructure, shortage of trained staff, and poor last-mile delivery mechanisms hinder vaccination efforts, especially in rural and underserved areas.
- Decline in Disease Surveillance: Over half of the WHO-monitored countries reported declining disease monitoring systems, increasing the risk of undetected outbreaks.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Primary Healthcare: Invest in grassroots-level cold-chain upgrades and healthcare worker training to boost immunisation reach and reliability.
- Combat Misinformation: Deploy AI tools and empower ASHAs and local influencers to counter myths and increase vaccine acceptance.
- Secure Political and Financial Commitment: Embed immunisation in national health priorities and support initiatives like Gavi and the Immunisation Agenda 2030.
- Ensure Last-Mile Delivery: Use platforms like eVIN and CoWIN to monitor vaccine logistics and expand mobile health units in underserved areas.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Engage NGOs, tech firms, and philanthropies to strengthen outreach, logistics, and public awareness campaigns.
- Global Cooperation: Raising $9 billion to immunise 500 million children and save 8 million lives by 2030.
In an age of misinformation and funding shortfalls, reinforcing vaccination as a global priority is crucial. Vaccines are not just medical tools; they are social equalisers and shields for humanity. Sustained political commitment, public awareness, and inclusive delivery systems are essential to maintain gains and secure a healthier future for all.
Reference: The Hindu
PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 188
Q. Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Why are vaccine-preventable diseases resurging globally? Suggest measures to strengthen universal immunisation. (150 Words) (10 Marks)
Approach
- Introduction: Write a contextual introduction by mentioning the resurging diseases such as measles, diphtheria, and polio.
- Body: Write the reason for the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases and measures to strengthen universal immunisation.
- Conclusion: Emphasis on coordinated global action, funding, combating misinformation, improving infrastructure and universal immunisation.
