The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICE F have issued a stark warning about the expanding global vaccination gap, with over 14 million children remaining unvaccinated in 2024. This alarming rise is attributed to the spread of dangerous misinformation and the decline in international aid, which are creating severe coverage gaps and increasing the risk of preventable diseases among children worldwide.
The report highlights that misinformation campaigns have been particularly effective in regions with weak healthcare infrastructure, where trust in vaccination programs is already low. This has led to decreased immunization rates and increased vulnerability to outbreaks of diseases such as measles, polio, and whooping cough. The UNICEF representative emphasized that without immediate intervention, the situation could lead to a resurgence of these diseases, with potentially devastating consequences for public health.