Despite Stable Running, WHO Reveals 14 Million Babies Have Not Been Vaccinated

JAKARTA - In 2024, 89 percent of babies globally or around 115 million will receive at least one dose of the vaccine containing the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DPT). 85 percent of them also completed all three doses of the vaccine.

Although the child vaccination process is stable and shows progress, there are still many who have not been vaccinated. In the WHO report on its official website, on July 15, 2025, it was stated that 20 million babies missed at least one dose of the vaccine containing DTP in 2024.

Among the 20 million babies, there are 14.3 million babies with zero doses or never receiving any vaccine. This is 4 million more than the 2024 target, which is needed to stay on track with the aim of the 2030 immunization agenda.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that vaccination is very important, because it affects the health of individuals, families and the nation. He said he was happy to see the development of world vaccination, although he still had to work hard with the fact that more than 14 babies had not received any vaccines.

"Vaccines save lives, enabling individuals, families, communities, the economy, and the nation to thrive," Tedros said, quoted from the WHO website, Friday, July 18, 2025.

"It's very encouraging to see a sustainable increase in the number of children being vaccinated, although they still have a lot of work to do," he added.

Vaccinations, especially for children, are often hampered by various factors. Starting from limited access to immunization services, disrupted supplies, conflicts and instabilities, misinformation about vaccines, to personal beliefs related to vaccines.

With that, Tedros said that in the future the global vaccination process would be affected by the current cuts in funds faced by WHO. However, the WHO will continue to work with various partners to increase vaccination in the future.

"WHO remains committed to working with our partners to support countries in developing local solutions and increasing domestic investment to reach all children, with the power of life-saving vaccines," Tedros concluded.