Millions of children at risk as vaccine uptake stalls

Global child vaccination progress has stalled in the past two decades, risking the health of millions of children worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine skepticism. A study suggests that children in nearly 100 countries have experienced declines in measles vaccinations, leading to disparities in vaccine coverage. The call for more equitable access to vaccines and increased awareness of the importance of routine childhood vaccinations is paramount to prevent outbreaks of diseases like polio and diphtheria. Vaccine hesitancy and funding cuts to international aid programs are creating challenges in maintaining global vaccination efforts, highlighting the urgent need for action to address these issues.