Latest news with #SanjayWijesekera
India Today
6 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
India cuts number of unvaccinated children by 43% in a year: WHO report
India reduced its number of 'zero-dose' children, those who didn't receive even a single vaccine, by 43% in a one year, according to a new global report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and 2023, India had about 16 lakh such children. That number dropped to 9 lakh in 2024, marking a reduction of nearly 700,000 unprotected improvement is a part of a larger positive trend in South Asia, where vaccination rates have reached record highs. In 2024, 92% of infants in the region received their third dose of the DTP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough — a 2% increase from 2023 and higher than even pre-Covid UNICEF's South Asia Regional Director, Sanjay Wijesekera, called it a proud moment and credited health workers and better planning for the success. However, he also stressed that efforts must continue to reach children in remote and underserved report also highlighted that measles vaccination has improved in the region. About 93% of infants received the first dose, and 88% got the second, helping to reduce measles cases by 39% in 2024. But experts say 95% coverage is needed to prevent outbreaks of this highly contagious more than 14 million children still missed all vaccines last year, about the same as in 2023, and nearly 6 million more got only some doses, leaving them only partially protected. India is one of nine countries that account for over half of these unvaccinated children, alongside Nigeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, and report warns that access to vaccines remains unequal, especially in areas facing conflict or humanitarian crises. It also raises concerns about misinformation and cuts in international aid, which may reverse the gains made so far. WHO chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that false claims about vaccine safety and reduced funding could undo decades of hard work.'The latest estimates highlight a really concerning trajectory,' Dr. Kate O'Brien, director of WHO's Department of Immunisation, Vaccines and Biologicals, said in a news briefing.'The global vision is for everyone everywhere to benefit from lifesaving vaccines,' she said. 'But we've hit this very stubborn glass ceiling, and breaking through that glass to protect more children against vaccine-preventable diseases is becoming more difficult.'Encouragingly, India and Pakistan are expected to begin their HPV vaccination campaigns later this year, aiming to protect girls from cervical cancer. Other countries like Bangladesh have already vaccinated over 7 million the progress is promising, experts say the mission is not over. More than 2.9 million children in South Asia are still un- or under-vaccinated. Continued effort, awareness, and support are crucial to ensure that every child is protected from preventable diseases.- EndsMust Watch
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
13 hours ago
- Health
- Business Standard
South Asia achieves record immunisation coverage: WHO, Unicef data
South Asia has achieved its highest-ever immunization coverage for children, with notable progress in India and Nepal, according to new data released on Tuesday by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF for 2024. India reduced its number of zero-dose children those who have not received a single vaccine by 43 per cent, from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024. Nepal achieved a 52 per cent reduction, from 23,000 to 11,000, a WHO statement said. Pakistan also recorded its highest-ever DTP3 (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) coverage at 87 per cent. However, Afghanistan continued to struggle, with the lowest coverage in the region and a one percentage point decline since last year, it added. The progress marks a milestone in the region's efforts to protect every child from vaccine-preventable diseases. "This is a proud moment for South Asia. More children are protected today than ever before, thanks to tireless frontline health workers, strong government leadership, donors' and partners' support and the unwavering trust of families," said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia. "But we cannot forget the millions of children who are under-vaccinated or unvaccinated. Now is the time to push further, especially into the most rural areas, to give every child his or her right to healthcare in the earliest years of life," he said. In 2024, 92 per cent of infants in South Asia received the third dose of the DTP vaccine a crucial global indicator up two percentage points from 2023. The first-dose DTP coverage rose from 93 to 95 per cent, showing a strong recovery beyond pre-COVID levels, the statement said. There was also a 27 per cent drop in zero-dose children across the region, from 2.5 million in 2023 to 1.8 million in 2024. The region also made significant strides in measles control. In 2024, 93 per cent of infants received the first dose and 88 per cent the second dose of the measles vaccine, up from 90 per cent and 87 per cent respectively. Measles cases fell 39 per cent -- from over 90,000 in 2023 to about 55,000 this year. However, coverage still remains below the 95 per cent threshold needed to prevent outbreaks, the statement said. "It is heartening to see WHO South-East Asia Region reach the highest ever immunization rates, surpassing the pre-pandemic up-trend. We must build on this momentum and step up efforts to reach every child with these lifesaving vaccines. Together we can, and we must," said Dr Thaksaphon Thamarangsi, Director Programme Management, WHO South-East Asia Region. HPV vaccination coverage for adolescent girls rose from 2 per cent in 2023 to 9 per cent in 2024. Bangladesh made significant progress, vaccinating over 7.1 million girls since launching its programme in 2023. Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka also increased their HPV coverage by 3 percentage points (91 per cent to 94 per cent), 15 points (60 per cent to 75 per cent), and 17 points (31 per cent to 48 per cent) respectively. Nepal launched its national HPV vaccination campaign in February 2025 and has vaccinated over 1.4 million girls. India and Pakistan are expected to roll out their HPV vaccination programmes later this year, the statement said. Behind these gains are sustained government efforts, investments, policies, and the dedication of frontline and community health workersmany of them womenalongside donor and partner support. Use of digital tools, improved data systems, and targeted outreach campaigns have also played a key role, it said. While significant progress was made, over 2.9 million children in the region remain un- or under-vaccinated and therefore unprotected, the statement said. With this in mind, UNICEF and WHO urged governments in South Asia to sustain political commitment, increase domestic financing for immunization, expand HPV vaccine coverage, and intensify efforts to reach zero-dose and under-vaccinated children. They also called for greater investment in frontline health workers and reinforcement of surveillance systems for vaccine-preventable diseases. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Hindu
13 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
South Asia achieves record immunization coverage; India, Nepal lead progress: WHO-UNICEF
South Asia has achieved its highest-ever immunization coverage for children, with notable progress in India and Nepal, according to new data released on Tuesday (July 15, 2025) by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF for 2024. India reduced its number of zero-dose children — those who have not received a single vaccine — by 43%, from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024. Nepal achieved a 52% reduction, from 23,000 to 11,000, a WHO statement said. Pakistan also recorded its highest-ever DTP3 (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) coverage at 87%. However, Afghanistan continued to struggle, with the lowest coverage in the region and a one percentage point decline since last year, it added. The progress marks a milestone in the region's efforts to protect every child from vaccine-preventable diseases. "This is a proud moment for South Asia. More children are protected today than ever before, thanks to tireless frontline health workers, strong government leadership, donors' and partners' support and the unwavering trust of families," said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia. "But we cannot forget the millions of children who are under-vaccinated or unvaccinated. Now is the time to push further, especially into the most rural areas, to give every child his or her right to healthcare in the earliest years of life," he said. In 2024, 92% of infants in South Asia received the third dose of the DTP vaccine — a crucial global indicator — up two percentage points from 2023. The first-dose DTP coverage rose from 93 to 95%, showing a strong recovery beyond pre-COVID levels, the statement said. There was also a 27% drop in zero-dose children across the region, from 2.5 million in 2023 to 1.8 million in 2024. The region also made significant strides in measles control. In 2024, 93% of infants received the first dose and 88% the second dose of the measles vaccine, up from 90% and 87% respectively. Measles cases fell 39%— from over 90,000 in 2023 to about 55,000 this year. However, coverage still remains below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks, the statement said. "It is heartening to see WHO South-East Asia Region reach the highest ever immunization rates, surpassing the pre-pandemic up-trend. We must build on this momentum and step up efforts to reach every child with these lifesaving vaccines. Together we can, and we must," said Dr. Thaksaphon Thamarangsi, Director Programme Management, WHO South-East Asia Region. HPV vaccination coverage for adolescent girls rose from 2% in 2023 to 9% in 2024. Bangladesh made significant progress, vaccinating over 7.1 million girls since launching its programme in 2023. Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka also increased their HPV coverage by 3 percentage points (91% to 94%), 15 points (60% to 75%), and 17 points (31% to 48%) respectively. Nepal launched its national HPV vaccination campaign in February 2025 and has vaccinated over 1.4 million girls. India and Pakistan are expected to roll out their HPV vaccination programmes later this year, the statement said. Behind these gains are sustained government efforts, investments, policies, and the dedication of frontline and community health workers—many of them women—alongside donor and partner support. Use of digital tools, improved data systems, and targeted outreach campaigns have also played a key role, it said. While significant progress was made, over 2.9 million children in the region remain un- or under-vaccinated and therefore unprotected, the statement said. With this in mind, UNICEF and WHO urged governments in South Asia to sustain political commitment, increase domestic financing for immunization, expand HPV vaccine coverage, and intensify efforts to reach zero-dose and under-vaccinated children. They also called for greater investment in frontline health workers and reinforcement of surveillance systems for vaccine-preventable diseases.
India Gazette
a day ago
- Health
- India Gazette
India cuts zero-dose children by 43 per cent as South Asia hits record-high children immunization in 2024
New Delhi [India], July 15 (ANI): India has reduced the number of children who missed all vaccinations, also called zero-dose children by 43 per cent in just one year, according to new data released on Tuesday by WHO and UNICEF. As per the 2024 data, India brought down its zero-dose children from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024, a drop of nearly 7 lakh. 'This is a proud moment for South Asia. More children are protected today than ever before,' said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, while also stressing the need to reach the remaining children in remote areas. South Asia, as a region, achieved its highest-ever immunization coverage. In 2024, 92 per cent of infants received the third dose of the DTP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. This marked a 2 per cent increase from 2023 and even surpassed pre-COVID levels. Nepal also saw major improvement, cutting its zero-dose children by over half. Pakistan reached its highest-ever DTP3 coverage at 87 per cent. However, Afghanistan remains a concern with the lowest coverage in the region and a slight decline compared to last year. Measles coverage also improved. Around 93 per cent of infants received the first dose and 88 per cent got the second. Reported measles cases fell sharply by 39 per cent in 2024. Vaccination against HPV (Human Papillomavirus), which prevents cervical cancer, saw progress too. Bangladesh vaccinated over 7.1 million girls since starting its programme last year, while Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka also reported increases. India and Pakistan are expected to begin their HPV vaccination campaigns later this year. The WHO and UNICEF report praised strong leadership from governments, tireless work of frontline health workers, and better use of data and technology for this achievement. 'It is heartening to see WHO South-East Asia Region reach the highest ever immunization rates, surpassing the pre-pandemic up-trend. We must build on this momentum and step up efforts to reach every child with these lifesaving vaccines. Together we can, and we must,' said Dr Thaksaphon Thamarangsi, Director Programme Management, WHO South-East Asia Region. Still, experts warned that over 2.9 million children in South Asia remain un- or under-vaccinated and need to be reached to ensure full protection against deadly diseases. (ANI)
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Without concerted action, 18 million more girls and women could become anaemic by 2030: Experts warn
Colombo: Health experts have warned that without concerted action, 18 million more girls and women could become anaemic by 2030, adding to the current burden of 259 million, according to the World Health Organisation. Describing anaemia as one of South Asia's most persistent health and equity challenges, the UN health agency has urged the governments in the region to take urgent and unified action. "Experts warn that without concerted action, 18 million more girls and women could become anaemic by 2030, adding to the current burden of 259 million," the WHO said in a press release. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said anaemia remained a public health concern in his country, affecting 18.5 per cent of women of reproductive age and 14.6 per cent of children under five. Sri Lanka is jointly hosting with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), UNICEF, WHO and other partners, a regional conference this week in Colombo, aimed at shaping a shared regional framework on the issue. Anaemia occurs when the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen, resulting in people feeling weak, tired, and more susceptible to illness. "This is a clarion call for action. When half of all adolescent girls and women in South Asia are anaemic, it's not only a health issue, but also a signal that systems are failing them," said Sanjay Wijesekera, Regional Director of UNICEF South Asia. Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, said that tackling anaemia is not just about health; it is foundational to the well-being of women and girls. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are witnessing encouraging local results through school-linked nutrition, data-driven strategies, and community-level interventions, according to the WHO release. "Anaemia is not just a health crisis. It is a marker of inequality. It stifles potential, productivity and entire economies, costing the South Asia region $32.5 billion each year," it added.
