LONDON — Progress in vaccinating children against life-threatening diseases has stalled over the past two decades, with some countries even experiencing a decline in vaccination rates.

A new global study highlights the consequences of this stagnation, particularly exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving millions of children unprotected from diseases such as measles, tuberculosis, and polio.

Researchers emphasize the need for improved access to vaccines worldwide, warning that the current situation poses a significant risk of outbreaks.

The study, published in The Lancet, reveals that nearly 16 million children have not received any childhood vaccinations by 2023, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia.

Dr. Jonathan Mosser from the University of Washington underscores the importance of routine childhood vaccinations as a cost-effective public health intervention but notes that inequalities, pandemic disruptions, and vaccine misinformation have hindered progress.

The study calls for strengthening primary healthcare systems, combating misinformation, and ensuring equitable access to vaccines globally.