Millions of children worldwide are at risk of preventable diseases as vaccine coverage has stalled or reversed in many countries, according to the largest study of its kind published in the Lancet. The analysis, led by the University of Washington, found that measles vaccination rates have fallen in 100 of 204 countries, while coverage for at least one dose against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles, polio or tuberculosis has declined in 21 of 36 high-income nations, including the UK.
The study attributes the reversal to persistent health inequalities, disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and soaring levels of vaccine misinformation and hesitancy. Despite major progress over the past 50 years that prevented an estimated 154 million child deaths, the number of unvaccinated 'zero-dose' children has risen since 2019, leaving 14.7 million children without any routine immunisations in 2023.
Senior author Dr Jonathan Mosser warned that these trends increase the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, polio and diphtheria. In 2024, Europe recorded a nearly tenfold increase in measles infections, while the US saw over 1,000 confirmed cases in 2025. Polio outbreaks continue in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea.
Lead author Dr Emily Haeuser called for more concerted efforts to tackle vaccine misinformation, saying successful programmes depend on understanding people's beliefs and concerns. Professor Helen Bedford of University College London added that the reasons for declining uptake are complex and require action to address social inequity and improve public confidence.
