14 Million Children Did Not Receive A Single Vaccine In 2024

LONDON (AP) — U.N. health officials have estimated that more than 14 million children did not receive a single vaccine last year. The World Health Organization and UNICEF said about 89% of children under 1 year old got a first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough in 2024, the same as in 2023. About 85% completed the three-dose series, up from 84% in 2023. The agencies released their annual estimate of global vaccine coverage Tuesday. Health leaders said the collapse of international aid, led by the U.S., threatens efforts to reduce the number of unprotected children. The U.N. estimates vaccines prevent 3.5 million to 5 million deaths a year.