New Delhi: South Asia has reached an unprecedented milestone in child immunization, achieving its highest-ever coverage rates in 2024, with India and Nepal spearheading significant progress, according to the latest data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF on July 15, 2025. The region’s remarkable strides in reducing zero-dose children—those who have not received a single vaccine—highlight the impact of sustained government efforts, innovative digital tools, and the dedication of frontline health workers.
Record-Breaking Immunization Coverage in South Asia
In 2024, South Asia recorded its highest-ever immunization rates, with 92% of infants receiving the third dose of the Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP3) vaccine, a key global indicator of immunization progress. This marks a two-percentage-point increase from 93% in 2023, surpassing pre-COVID levels and reflecting a robust recovery in the region’s healthcare systems. The first-dose DTP coverage also rose from 93% to 95%, showcasing the region’s commitment to prioritizing children’s health.
The region saw a 27% reduction in zero-dose children, dropping from 2.5 million in 2023 to 1.8 million in 2024. This significant decline underscores the effectiveness of targeted outreach campaigns, improved data systems, and the tireless work of community health workers, many of whom are women. Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, hailed this progress, stating, “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.”
India’s Remarkable Progress in Reducing Zero-Dose Children
India has emerged as a leader in this regional success, reducing its number of zero-dose children by an impressive 43%, from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024. This achievement is part of India’s broader efforts under its Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), which has been a cornerstone of the country’s public health strategy since its inception as the Expanded Programme on Immunization in 1978, later rebranded as the UIP in 1985.
The UIP provides free immunization against 12 diseases, including nine nationwide (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, Childhood Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and Meningitis & Pneumonia) and three region-specific diseases (Rotavirus diarrhea, Pneumococcal Pneumonia, and Japanese Encephalitis). Under the National Rural Health Mission, the Civilian is considered fully immunized after receiving all vaccinations as per the national schedule within the first year of life.
India’s achievements include declaring the country polio-free in 2014 and eliminating neonatal tetanus in 2015. Recent initiatives like the Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0 (IMI 5.0) campaign and the U-WIN Portal have further bolstered vaccination coverage, particularly for Measles and Rubella. In 2024, approximately 171,000 more children received at least one vaccine compared to 2023, reflecting India’s commitment to closing the immunization gap.
Nepal’s Stellar Performance
Nepal has also made extraordinary strides, achieving a 52% reduction in zero-dose children, from 23,000 in 2023 to 11,000 in 2024. The country launched its national Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in February 2025, successfully vaccinating over 1.4 million adolescent girls. This initiative is part of Nepal’s broader efforts to protect children and adolescents from vaccine-preventable diseases, supported by strong government policies and community engagement.
Mixed Progress Across the Region
While India and Nepal have led the way, other South Asian countries have shown varied progress. Pakistan achieved its highest-ever DTP3 coverage at 87%, a significant milestone in its immunization efforts. However, Afghanistan continues to face challenges, recording the lowest coverage in the region with a one-percentage-point decline since 2023. These disparities highlight the need for tailored strategies to address regional challenges, such as conflict and access barriers.
Measles Control and HPV Vaccination Gains
South Asia has made significant progress in controlling measles, with 93% of infants receiving the first dose and 88% receiving the second dose of the measles vaccine in 2024, up from 90% and 87% in 2023, respectively. Measles cases in the region plummeted by 39%, from over 90,000 in 2023 to approximately 55,000 in 2024. Despite this progress, coverage remains below the 95% threshold required to prevent outbreaks, emphasizing the need for continued efforts.
The region also saw a dramatic increase in HPV vaccination coverage for adolescent girls, rising from 2% in 2023 to 9% in 2024. Bangladesh led the charge, vaccinating over 7.1 million girls since launching its HPV program in 2023. Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka also reported significant increases in HPV coverage, reaching 94%, 75%, and 48%, respectively. India and Pakistan are set to launch their HPV vaccination programs later in 2025, promising further progress in protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer.
Global Context: A Mixed Picture
Globally, 89% of infants (approximately 115 million) received at least one dose of the DTP vaccine in 2024, while 85% (about 109 million) completed the full three-dose series. Compared to 2023, an additional 171,000 children received at least one dose, and one million more completed the DTP3 series. However, the global number of zero-dose children remains at 14.3 million, 4 million above the 2024 target set by the Immunization Agenda 2030 and 1.4 million more than the 2019 baseline.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the importance of sustained efforts, stating, “Vaccines save lives, allowing individuals, families, communities, economies, and nations to flourish. It’s encouraging to see a continued increase in the number of children being vaccinated, although we still have a lot of work to do.” He highlighted challenges such as declining aid, misinformation about vaccine safety, and fragile health systems, which threaten decades of progress.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite South Asia’s remarkable achievements, over 2.9 million children in the region remain un- or under-vaccinated, leaving them vulnerable to preventable diseases. UNICEF and WHO have called for sustained political commitment, increased domestic financing, and greater investment in frontline health workers and surveillance systems. Expanding HPV vaccination and intensifying efforts to reach zero-dose and under-vaccinated children, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas, are critical priorities.
Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director, stressed the urgency of addressing these challenges: “We must act now with determination to overcome barriers like shrinking health budgets, fragile health systems, along with misinformation and access constraints because of conflicts. No child should die from a disease we know how to prevent.”
The Role of Technology and Community Engagement
The use of digital tools, improved data systems, and targeted outreach campaigns has been instrumental in South Asia’s success. These innovations have enhanced vaccine delivery, tracking, and community engagement, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. The dedication of frontline and community health workers, supported by donors and partners, has been a driving force behind the region’s progress.
Dr. Thaksaphon Thamarangsi, Director of Programme Management for WHO South-East Asia Region, urged stakeholders to build on this momentum: “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.”
India’s Universal Immunization Programme: A Model for Success
India’s UIP serves as a model for effective immunization programs. Key initiatives like the Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0 campaign and the U-WIN Portal have significantly improved vaccination coverage, particularly for Measles and Rubella. The program’s comprehensive approach, integrated with the National Rural Health Mission, ensures free access to vaccines for millions of children across the country.
India’s polio-free status since 2014 and the elimination of neonatal tetanus in 2015 are testaments to the program’s success. The continued focus on digital innovation and community outreach will be crucial in addressing the remaining 0.9 million zero-dose children and achieving universal immunization coverage.
Conclusion
South Asia’s record-breaking immunization coverage in 2024 is a testament to the region’s commitment to protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases. India and Nepal’s significant reductions in zero-dose children, alongside progress in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, highlight the power of collective action. However, challenges remain, particularly in Afghanistan and among the 2.9 million un- or under-vaccinated children in the region.
As South Asia continues to build on this momentum, sustained government efforts, increased financing, and innovative strategies will be essential to ensure every child receives the lifesaving protection of vaccines. With the global immunization agenda facing challenges like misinformation and funding cuts, South Asia’s success serves as an inspiring example for the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the significance of South Asia’s immunization achievements in 2024?
South Asia achieved its highest-ever immunization coverage in 2024, with 92% of infants receiving the third dose of the DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) vaccine, a key global indicator, up from 90% in 2023. The region also reduced zero-dose children—those who have not received a single vaccine—by 27%, from 2.5 million to 1.8 million. This milestone, led by countries like India and Nepal, reflects stronger healthcare systems, government commitment, and the efforts of frontline health workers, protecting millions from vaccine-preventable diseases.
2. How did India and Nepal contribute to the region’s immunization progress?
India reduced its zero-dose children by 43%, from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024, through initiatives like the Universal Immunization Programme and Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0. Nepal achieved a 52% reduction, from 23,000 to 11,000 zero-dose children, and vaccinated over 1.4 million girls against HPV in 2025. Both countries’ use of digital tools, community outreach, and strong policies drove these gains.
3. What progress was made in measles and HPV vaccination in South Asia?
In 2024, 93% of South Asian infants received the first measles vaccine dose (up from 90%), and 88% received the second dose (up from 87%), reducing measles cases by 39% from 90,000 to 55,000. HPV vaccination coverage for adolescent girls rose from 2% to 9%, with Bangladesh vaccinating over 7.1 million girls, and Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka improving coverage to 94%, 75%, and 48%, respectively.
4. What challenges remain in South Asia’s immunization efforts?
Despite progress, over 2.9 million children remain un- or under-vaccinated, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas like Afghanistan, which saw a 1% decline in coverage. Measles coverage is still below the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks. WHO and UNICEF emphasize the need for increased domestic funding, stronger surveillance, and efforts to counter misinformation and access barriers.
5. How does South Asia’s progress compare to global immunization trends?
Globally, 89% of infants (115 million) received at least one DTP dose, and 85% (109 million) completed the three-dose series in 2024. However, 14.3 million children remain zero-dose, missing the Immunization Agenda 2030 target by 4 million. South Asia’s 92% DTP3 coverage and 27% reduction in zero-dose children outperform global trends, but the region must sustain efforts to address remaining gaps.
