World Immunization Week: Vaccines for All – Global Progress and Nepal’s Journey

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World Immunization Week (April 24–30) is a time to celebrate the life-saving power of vaccines and rally support for immunizing every community. This year’s theme – “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible” – highlights that with commitment and collaboration, we can protect everyone from vaccine-preventable diseases (World Immunization Week 2025). Immunization is among the greatest achievements in public health, averting “World Immunization Week 2025: Vaccines for All – Global Progress and Nepal’s Journey“

World Immunization Week (April 24–30) is a time to celebrate the life-saving power of vaccines and rally support for immunizing every community. This annual initiative, observed in the last week of April, promotes immunization to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases ( World Immunization Week 2025 – 24 to 30 April. ). Immunization is one of humanity’s greatest public health achievements – since 1974, vaccines have saved an estimated 154 million lives, equivalent to six lives every minute ( World Immunization Week 2025 – 24 to 30 April. ). Thanks to vaccines, global infant mortality has fallen dramatically (immunization accounts for about 40% of the decline in infant deaths) ( World Immunization Week 2025 – 24 to 30 April. ) ( Contribution of vaccination to improved survival and health: modelling 50 years of the Expanded Programme on Immunization – PMC ), and smallpox has been eradicated while polio is on the brink of elimination. Yet despite 50 years of progress, millions of children and adults still miss out on essential vaccines each year. At the 2025 midpoint of the Immunization Agenda 2030 strategy, “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible” is both a slogan and a call to action – urging the world to build on past successes and ensure that everyone, especially children, benefits from vaccines in the decades ahead ( World Immunization Week 2025 – 24 to 30 April. ). This blog post reviews global immunization trends, key programs and policies, and Nepal’s immunization status and achievements, in honor of World Immunization Week 2025.

Global Immunization Trends and Key Facts

Vaccination has vastly improved global health over the past half-century. Today, vaccines protect against more than 30 life-threatening diseases – from measles and polio to newer targets like HPV and COVID-19 ( World Immunization Week 2025 – 24 to 30 April. ). Over 4 million deaths are averted each year thanks to immunization (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA), making it one of the most cost-effective health interventions. Decades of coordinated efforts by governments, health workers, and international partners have led to historic milestones: smallpox was eradicated in 1980, and polio cases have plummeted by 99.9%, with wild poliovirus now confined to just two countries ( Immunization coverage ). Childhood vaccination coverage worldwide expanded dramatically from the 1980s through 2010s, reaching new populations and saving lives on every continent (World Immunization Week 2025) ( Global partners announce a new effort – “The Big Catch-up” – to vaccinate millions of children and restore immunization progress lost during the pandemic ).

However, progress has stalled in recent years and even reversed in some areas, due in part to health system disruptions and the COVID-19 pandemic. Global immunization coverage had plateaued around 85% for many key vaccines even before 2020 ( Immunization coverage ). The pandemic then caused the worst backslide in childhood vaccinations in decades – in 2021, 25 million children missed routine immunizations, setting immunization rates back to levels last seen in 2008 ( Global partners announce a new effort – “The Big Catch-up” – to vaccinate millions of children and restore immunization progress lost during the pandemic ) (Increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, UNICEF, Gavi). While vaccination efforts rebounded in 2022–2023, coverage remains below pre-pandemic highs. During 2023, about 84% of infants worldwide received the recommended three doses of DTP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) vaccine, up from 81% in 2021 but still shy of the 86% achieved in 2019 ( Immunization coverage ) (Routine Vaccination Coverage — Worldwide, 2023 | MMWR). This DTP3 indicator is a key barometer of immunization program performance. Similarly, first-dose measles vaccine coverage stalled at 83% in 2023, not yet back to the 86% level of 2019 ( Immunization coverage ) (Routine Vaccination Coverage — Worldwide, 2023 | MMWR). The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF estimate that 21 million children were either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated in 2023 – including 14.5 million “zero-dose” children who did not receive a single vaccine dose, an increase from about 12.8 million in 2019 (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA) (Increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, UNICEF, Gavi). These zero-dose children are overwhelmingly concentrated in the poorest communities and conflict-affected areas. In fact, over half of them live in just seven countries (Nigeria, India, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Yemen) (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA) ( Global partners announce a new effort – “The Big Catch-up” – to vaccinate millions of children and restore immunization progress lost during the pandemic ), highlighting persistent equity gaps.

Immunization Fast Facts (Global, 2023):

Vaccines prevent 4–5 million deaths per year, and have saved ~154 million lives over 50 years ( World Immunization Week 2025 – 24 to 30 April. ) (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA).

Global DTP3 coverage: 84% of infants (down from 86% in 2019) ( Immunization coverage ) (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA).

Global Measles (MCV1) coverage: 83%, with 22.2 million children missing the first dose (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA).

“Zero-dose” children: 14.5 million infants received no vaccines in 2023 (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA) – a worrying rise post-pandemic.

Immunization prevents ~40% of all infant deaths globally and 60% of deaths from measles alone ( World Immunization Week 2025 – 24 to 30 April. ).

The consequences of immunization gaps are evident. Measles, often called the “canary in the coalmine” for immunity, has surged back wherever vaccination slipped (Increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, UNICEF, Gavi) (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA). In 2023, measles cases worldwide climbed to an estimated 10.3 million – a 20% increase over the previous year – as immunity gaps widened (Increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, UNICEF, Gavi) (Increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, UNICEF, Gavi). Over 22 million children did not receive their first measles dose in 2023 (World Immunization Week 2025) (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA), far short of the ~95% coverage needed for herd immunity against this highly contagious virus. As a result, 61 countries experienced large measles outbreaks in the past year (Increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, UNICEF, Gavi). Other diseases are also resurging: for example, diphtheria and yellow fever have re-emerged in areas with low coverage, and polio outbreaks linked to vaccine-derived strains have occurred where immunization systems are weak (Increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, UNICEF, Gavi) ( Nepal’s Public Health Achievements 2024 ). WHO has warned that without urgent action, the world faces a renewed risk of preventable disease epidemics, reversing decades of child survival gains (Increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, UNICEF, Gavi) (Increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, UNICEF, Gavi).

On a positive note, global immunization partners are responding vigorously. In 2023, WHO, UNICEF, Gavi and others launched “The Big Catch-Up”, a worldwide initiative to help countries restore immunization services disrupted by COVID-19 and reach children who were missed ( Global partners announce a new effort – “The Big Catch-up” – to vaccinate millions of children and restore immunization progress lost during the pandemic ) ( Global partners announce a new effort – “The Big Catch-up” – to vaccinate millions of children and restore immunization progress lost during the pandemic ). This effort prioritizes the 20 countries that account for most zero-dose children and emphasizes stronger primary health care and community outreach to close immunization gaps ( Global partners announce a new effort – “The Big Catch-up” – to vaccinate millions of children and restore immunization progress lost during the pandemic ) ( Global partners announce a new effort – “The Big Catch-up” – to vaccinate millions of children and restore immunization progress lost during the pandemic ). Additionally, the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) – a global strategy endorsed by all WHO member states – aims to achieve 90% coverage for essential vaccines and halve the number of zero-dose children by 2030 (Routine Vaccination Coverage — Worldwide, 2023 | MMWR) (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA). Midway through IA2030, progress is mixed: 107 countries had at least 90% DTP3 coverage in 2023, down from 125 countries in 2019 (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA). Some regions and large countries have bounced back impressively (for instance, India reached 93% DTP3 coverage in 2023, vaccinating an enormous birth cohort of 23 million infants) (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA) (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA). However, other areas – especially in parts of Africa and the Middle East – still struggle with low coverage and frequent outbreaks (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA) (Increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, UNICEF, Gavi). To get back on track, experts stress the need for investing in routine immunization systems, expanding outreach in underserved communities, and building vaccine trust in the face of misinformation and hesitancy (Increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, UNICEF, Gavi) (Routine Vaccination Coverage — Worldwide, 2023 | MMWR). Fortunately, the world now has new tools and vaccines (for example, against malaria, HPV, COVID-19, RSV, Ebola, and others) that can further reduce illness and death ( World Immunization Week 2025 – 24 to 30 April. ) ( World Immunization Week 2025 – 24 to 30 April. ) – if we can deliver them to those who need them. Vaccines truly prove that with effort and innovation, less disease and longer lives are humanly possible ( World Immunization Week 2025 – 24 to 30 April. ).

Major Immunization Programs of Global Importance

Immunization is a broad field, but several flagship programs illustrate its critical role in global health. Here we highlight a few major vaccine initiatives and their status in 2025:

Polio Eradication: Polio is a crippling viral disease that has been a top global health priority for over three decades. Thanks to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), polio cases have fallen by 99.9% since 1988, preventing an estimated 20 million cases of paralysis. Polio remains endemic in only two countries – Afghanistan and Pakistan – as persistent conflict and access challenges have made it difficult to immunize every child there ( Immunization coverage ). In all other countries, wild polio transmission has been stopped. The WHO South-East Asia Region (including Nepal) was certified polio-free in 2014, after India and its neighbors reported their last wild polio cases in 2011 ( A polio-free Region, a great achievement, says a polio survivor and vaccination advocate ) ( A polio-free Region, a great achievement, says a polio survivor and vaccination advocate ). Vigilance is still required, as vaccine-derived poliovirus can emerge in under-immunized communities. In 2023–24, for instance, detections of vaccine-derived poliovirus in environmental samples prompted swift outbreak responses in several countries ( Nepal’s Public Health Achievements 2024 ). The polio program continues to conduct mass vaccination campaigns (National Immunization Days) and introduce the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) into routine schedules worldwide to maintain population immunity ( Immunization coverage ) ( Nepal’s Public Health Achievements 2024 ). With only a few pockets of the virus left, global eradication is within reach – but until polio is gone everywhere, it remains a threat anywhere. The final push requires sustained political commitment and funding to “finish the job” on polio in the next few years.
Measles and Rubella Elimination: Measles is one of the most contagious human viruses, and rubella is a similar viral infection that can cause severe birth defects. Vaccines for measles (first introduced in the 1960s) and rubella (in the 1970s) are often given together (MR or MMR vaccine). These vaccines have had enormous impact – the measles vaccine alone is credited with saving about 60% of the 154 million lives saved by immunization in the past 50 years ( World Immunization Week 2025 – 24 to 30 April. ). Many regions set goals to eliminate measles and rubella; for example, the WHO European Region achieved measles elimination in most countries before recent resurgences. However, measles is currently making a dangerous comeback globally wherever vaccination coverage dips. As noted, measles infected over 10 million people in 2023, killing an estimated 92,000 (mostly unvaccinated children) (Increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, UNICEF, Gavi) (Increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, UNICEF, Gavi). The Measles & Rubella Initiative – a partnership of WHO, UNICEF, CDC, Gavi and others – is helping countries conduct supplementary immunization campaigns and strengthen routine coverage to reach the 95% threshold needed to stop measles circulation. In 2022–2023, despite the challenges, several countries introduced a second routine dose of measles vaccine, bringing the total to 190 countries now giving two doses ( Immunization coverage ). Moving forward, closing immunity gaps is urgent: this includes not only reaching children with two doses, but also vaccinating teenagers and adults who missed vaccines, and combating misinformation that leads to vaccine hesitancy. Rubella vaccination, often bundled with measles, is equally important – rubella infections in pregnancy can cause congenital rubella syndrome. Thanks to vaccination, rubella has been eliminated in 93 countries, and global rubella cases have fallen sharply, but gaps in coverage could cause its return if not maintained ( Immunization coverage ) ( Immunization coverage ). The goal is a world free of measles and rubella – a feasible target if we can immunize every child.
HPV Vaccination (Preventing Cervical Cancer): Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus transmitted through contact, and certain strains cause cervical cancer and other cancers. The HPV vaccine, first approved in 2006, prevents infection by the high-risk HPV types and has the potential to virtually eliminate cervical cancer over time. Global uptake of HPV vaccination has been steadily increasing, especially in the last few years. By the end of 2023, 143 countries had introduced HPV vaccines into their national programs ( Immunization coverage ), and global coverage of HPV first dose among adolescent girls reached 27% in 2023 (up from 20% in 2022) ( Immunization coverage ) (Immunization Coverage in 2023: Stalled Progress and Missed Targets – Sabin Vaccine Institute). This recent jump is partly due to large countries (e.g. Indonesia, Nigeria, Bangladesh) rolling out HPV programs and a shift to a single-dose schedule for HPV, which WHO now endorses as providing sufficient protection ( Immunization coverage ) (Over a million girls turn out for Nepal’s first HPV vaccine campaign). Nonetheless, coverage remains far below the 2030 target of 90% of girls fully vaccinated by age 15 – in many low-income countries, HPV coverage is still under 20% due to resource and supply constraints (Immunization Coverage in 2023: Stalled Progress and Missed Targets – Sabin Vaccine Institute). To reach the global cervical cancer elimination goal, introductions in remaining countries and multi-age catch-up campaigns will be needed. The impact could be enormous: HPV vaccination and screening together could reduce millions of cancer cases. Encouragingly, some early-adopter countries (like Rwanda) have already achieved over 90% HPV coverage, demonstrating what is possible with strong political will and community engagement. With Gavi and partners subsidizing costs, more low-income countries are coming on board each year. (We will see Nepal’s own HPV vaccine launch shortly, in the Nepal section.) The HPV program exemplifies how immunization is not just for infants – it also targets adolescents to prevent deadly adult diseases, bringing immunization into schools and communities for older age groups.
COVID-19 Vaccination: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the fastest vaccine development in history and an unprecedented global vaccination campaign. In the span of 18 months, over 13 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered worldwide (COVID-19 vaccines | WHO COVID-19 dashboard – WHO Data). As of the end of 2023, around 67% of the world’s population had received a complete primary series of COVID-19 vaccines (COVID-19 vaccines | WHO COVID-19 dashboard – WHO Data). This massive effort likely saved millions of lives by preventing severe cases of COVID-19 (Increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, UNICEF, Gavi). It also demonstrated new vaccine technologies (like mRNA vaccines) and highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of global immunization infrastructure. On one hand, COVID-19 vaccination showed that even adults can be vaccinated at scale when urgency and resources align – a hopeful precedent for integrating adult immunization (e.g. influenza for seniors, HPV for adults who missed it, etc.) into public health programs. On the other hand, the rollout faced inequities: low-income countries initially struggled to access doses, relying on the COVAX facility, and even by 2023 some countries had less than 30% of their population fully vaccinated. Nepal, for its part, achieved high COVID-19 vaccine coverage (more on that below), but globally the goal of 70% coverage by mid-2022 was not met in many regions. As we move forward, COVID-19 vaccination is shifting toward a routine booster model for high-risk groups. The pandemic’s experience underscored the importance of resilient immunization systems that can handle both routine vaccines and emergency mass campaigns without one undermining the other. It also spurred innovations – such as ultra-cold chain expansion, genomic surveillance of virus variants, and new public-private partnerships – that can benefit other immunization efforts.
Routine Childhood Vaccines & Newer Vaccines: Beyond the high-profile programs above, routine immunization programs deliver a suite of vaccines that are foundational to child health. These include vaccines against tuberculosis (BCG), diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B, pneumococcal disease (PCV), rotavirus, and others – often bundled in national schedules by age. Great progress has been made in expanding these lifesaving tools: for example, Hib vaccine for meningitis and pneumonia is now used in 193 countries ( Immunization coverage ) (global Hib3 coverage ~77% ( Immunization coverage )), and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) for pneumonia is in 159 countries ( Immunization coverage ). New introductions continue: rotavirus vaccine (to prevent severe infant diarrhea) is now in 123 countries with global coverage ~55% ( Immunization coverage ), and more countries are adding new vaccines like the infant malaria vaccine (RTS,S) and typhoid conjugate vaccines in pilot programs ( World Immunization Week 2025 – 24 to 30 April. ) ( World Immunization Week 2025 – 24 to 30 April. ). Notably, scientific breakthroughs have recently yielded vaccines for diseases long thought intractable – e.g. the first malaria vaccines, and an RSV vaccine to protect infants via maternal immunization. These advances promise to further reduce child mortality, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa where malaria and other diseases are major killers. However, introducing and sustaining new vaccines requires funding and strong health systems. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has been instrumental in financing new vaccines for low-income countries (including Nepal) over the past two decades, ensuring that innovations like PCV, rotavirus, and HPV vaccines reach populations that need them most.
Maternal immunization is another emerging focus: vaccinating pregnant women with tetanus, influenza, pertussis (and in the future, RSV) vaccines can protect newborns in the first vulnerable months of life. Globally, thanks to maternal vaccination campaigns, maternal and neonatal tetanus has been eliminated as a public health problem in all but 12 countries ( Immunization coverage ). In sum, routine immunization today is a far more expansive enterprise than in the past – covering more diseases, more age groups, and delivered in more settings (clinics, schools, outreach camps) – and it continues to evolve with scientific progress.

Global Policies: Immunization Agenda 2030

The Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) is a global blueprint to ensure equitable vaccine access. Endorsed by the World Health Assembly, IA2030 aims to save over 50 million lives by 2030 by maintaining gains, recovering from COVID-19 disruptions, and expanding coverage. It emphasizes a “bottom-up” approach, aligning with country needs and prioritizing underserved populations. As 2025 marks the midpoint of IA2030, World Immunization Week highlights its role in achieving a world where everyone benefits from vaccines.

Nepal’s Immunization Status and Achievements

( Nepal’s Public Health Achievements 2024 ) A health worker in Nepal administers a vaccine during the 2024 nationwide measles-rubella immunization campaign. Such campaigns, supported by WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi, aim to reach every child – including those missed by routine services – with life-saving vaccines. ( Nepal’s Public Health Achievements 2024 ) ( Nepal’s Public Health Achievements 2024 )

Nepal has a proud history of immunization success, emerging as a leader in South Asia for vaccine coverage and disease control. The Government of Nepal’s National Immunization Programme (NIP) began in the 1970s as part of WHO’s Expanded Programme on Immunization, and it now provides vaccines against at least 11 diseases free of cost to all children. Today, Nepal’s routine immunization schedule includes BCG, polio (bOPV and IPV), pentavalent (DTP-HepB-Hib), measles-rubella, Japanese encephalitis, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, rotavirus vaccine, and others by age two (Over 620,000 children under one year to get rotavirus vaccine …) (). This strong immunization system has delivered high coverage: Nepal consistently achieves around 90–95% coverage for key infant vaccines like DTP3, despite geographic challenges in reaching remote mountain villages () (4% too many: Nepal sets its sights on finding and protecting its cohort of unvaccinated kids). According to WHO/UNICEF estimates, Nepal’s DTP3 coverage was about 94–95% in 2022, rebounding from a dip in 2020 during the pandemic (). First-dose measles coverage (MCV1) is approximately 90% (), and over 85% of children receive a second dose of measles-rubella vaccine as well. These levels are higher than the global average and have placed Nepal among the best-performing immunization programs in the region (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA). For instance, Nepal’s immunization rate helped the WHO South-East Asia Region achieve polio-free certification and has kept diseases like diphtheria and maternal tetanus largely at bay.

Immunization Achievements: Nepal’s achievements in immunization are significant. Perhaps most notably, Nepal has been polio-free for over a decade – the country’s last wild polio case was reported in 2010 in Rautahat district ( A polio-free Region, a great achievement, says a polio survivor and vaccination advocate ). Nepal’s vigorous polio campaigns (often providing oral polio drops to >4 million children in National Immunization Days) and strong routine coverage led to the polio-free certification of the entire South-East Asia Region in 2014 ( A polio-free Region, a great achievement, says a polio survivor and vaccination advocate ). Another milestone was the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT), achieved in Nepal in 2005 and sustained since ( Nepal’s Public Health Achievements 2024 ) ( Nepal’s Public Health Achievements 2024 ). This means neonatal tetanus cases have fallen below 1 per 1,000 live births in every district – a result of high coverage with tetanus toxoid vaccine among pregnant women and clean childbirth practices. In 2017, Nepal also celebrated the elimination of trachoma (a blinding disease) through community health interventions, and while not directly an immunization achievement, it underscores Nepal’s strength in public health campaigns.

Nepal has been proactive in introducing new vaccines into its immunization schedule, often as one of the early adopters in the region. For example, Nepal introduced the Hepatitis B vaccine nationwide in 2002, the Hib vaccine (as pentavalent) in 2009, and the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) in 2015 (Fighting pneumonia in Nepal: making numbers count) (PCV Nepal | International Vaccine Access Center) – making it one of the first countries in South Asia to roll out PCV. By 2018, pneumococcal vaccine coverage in Nepal reached over 80% of infants (), contributing to declines in child pneumonia deaths. In July 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, Nepal launched the rotavirus vaccine to combat diarrheal disease in children (Nepal introduces Rota virus vaccine against diarrhoea in children). Despite the challenges of COVID-19, this rollout was successful; as of 2022, Nepal’s rotavirus vaccine (2 doses) coverage is estimated around 70–80% of infants, and rising (). Most recently, in early 2025, Nepal made a historic move by introducing the HPV vaccine nationally to prevent cervical cancer. After pilot trials in a few districts, a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign was launched in February 2025 targeting 1.6 million girls aged 11–13 years (Over a million girls turn out for Nepal’s first HPV vaccine campaign) (Over a million girls turn out for Nepal’s first HPV vaccine campaign). This campaign – supported by Gavi – is making Nepal the 145th country in the world to incorporate HPV vaccine into routine immunizations (a welcome addition to the national immunisation schedule in Nepal) (Over a million girls turn out for Nepal’s first HPV vaccine campaign). The enthusiasm was palpable: over one million girls turned up in the first two weeks of the HPV drive (Over a million girls turn out for Nepal’s first HPV vaccine campaign), and the program is slated to substantially reduce Nepal’s cervical cancer burden in the future. These introductions show Nepal’s commitment to expanding vaccine benefits to cover emerging public health priorities.

Immunization Coverage and Impact in Nepal: The high uptake of vaccines in Nepal has led to dramatic declines in once-common diseases. Immunization has been a driving force in Nepal’s under-five mortality rate plummeting from 158 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to around 28 per 1,000 by 2023 (In the last 50 years, immunization has decreased infant mortality by …) (Q&A: ‘We have to be worried’ about decline in measles vaccination …) (combined with improvements in other health and socio-economic factors). Vaccine-preventable diseases like polio, diphtheria, neonatal tetanus, and whooping cough are now extremely rare in Nepal. Measles cases declined by over 90% compared to pre-vaccine eras. However, the job is not finished – measles in particular has posed a challenge recently, as immunity gaps led to outbreaks. In 2023, Nepal experienced a measles outbreak infecting hundreds of children; it was found that an estimated 93,000 children (about 4% of infants) had missed some routine vaccinations and were “zero-dose” in the aftermath of the pandemic (RAM3 COAR.rdl) (4% too many: Nepal sets its sights on finding and protecting its cohort of unvaccinated kids). In response, the government took swift action. By early 2023, Nepal’s Ministry of Health launched a “Search and Immunize” initiative – deploying health workers (including the country’s famed Female Community Health Volunteers) to identify and vaccinate every missed child in each community (4% too many: Nepal sets its sights on finding and protecting its cohort of unvaccinated kids) (4% too many: Nepal sets its sights on finding and protecting its cohort of unvaccinated kids). This effort, alongside catch-up campaigns, is already bearing fruit in raising coverage in historically missed pockets. Furthermore, to prevent future outbreaks, Nepal conducted a nationwide Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign in Feb–Mar 2024, aiming to immunize all children aged 9 months to 5 years with an extra dose. Over 6.3 million children were vaccinated in that campaign ( Nepal’s Public Health Achievements 2024 ), which also cleverly integrated other antigens (like IPV polio drops, PCV, and pentavalent vaccines for those who were behind schedule) to “catch up” children on their routine vaccines simultaneously ( Nepal’s Public Health Achievements 2024 ). Such integrated campaigns ensure that no child is left vulnerable. As a result of these efforts, Nepal is back on track toward its goal of measles-rubella elimination by 2026 ( Nepal’s Public Health Achievements 2024 ).

Nepal’s immunization drive for COVID-19 is another noteworthy achievement. Despite facing a devastating COVID-19 second wave in 2021, Nepal managed to vaccinate a large share of its population once vaccines became available. The country leveraged existing immunization infrastructure and community outreach networks. As of early 2023, about 80% of Nepal’s total population was fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (Nepal Coronavirus Full Vaccination Rate (I:NCFVR) – YCharts) – significantly higher than the global average of 67% (COVID-19 vaccines | WHO COVID-19 dashboard – WHO Data). Nearly all health workers and high-risk adults received boosters. This high coverage helped reduce the impact of subsequent COVID-19 waves and allowed Nepal to reopen schools and businesses sooner. It also provided indirect benefits to the routine immunization program: for instance, cold-chain capacity was expanded and public awareness of vaccines was heightened. On the flip side, the pandemic did disrupt some routine immunization services in 2020–2021, as reflected in a slight dip in DTP3 and MCV coverage during those years (). But Nepal’s health system worked hard to restore services, and by 2022 routine coverage had rebounded close to or above pre-pandemic levels (DTP3 in 2022 even exceeded the 2019 level, reaching 95% per official reports) () (). The quick recovery in Nepal stands in contrast to some countries that are still lagging, and it exemplifies the resilience of Nepal’s vaccine delivery system.

Another factor in Nepal’s success is community engagement. Nepal has a network of over 50,000 Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) who are often the backbone of primary health care in rural areas. These volunteers conduct door-to-door visits, educate families, and mobilize communities for vaccination days (Nepal Overview | Exemplars in Global Health). Their trust within communities has helped dispel myths and ensure high acceptance of vaccines. For example, when introducing new vaccines like PCV or HPV, FCHVs and local leaders played a key role in generating demand and addressing parental concerns. Strong political commitment and donor support (from Gavi, WHO, UNICEF, etc.) have also enabled Nepal to finance and sustain its immunization program. The Ministry of Health’s Family Welfare Division, which oversees immunization, has integrated EPI into the broader health system so that even amid political changes (Nepal’s recent shift to federalism), immunization remains a priority at national and local levels (RAM3 COAR.rdl) (RAM3 COAR.rdl).

However, challenges remain. The 80% coverage falls short of the 94.8% target by 2025 set under the Sustainable Development Goals. Remote and marginalized communities face barriers like difficult terrain and limited healthcare access. In 2023, a measles outbreak in Nepal highlighted vulnerabilities, with 58% of cases among unvaccinated children, many under four years old (Measles – Nepal). The government is addressing these gaps through over 16,000 outreach sessions and partnerships with organizations like UNICEF, but sustained investment is needed.

Indicator	Nepal 2022 Data	Target by 2025
Full Vaccination Coverage (12–23 months)	80%	94.8%
Polio-Free Status	Maintained since 2010	Sustain
Maternal/Neonatal Tetanus Elimination	Sustained since 2005	Sustain

Nepal vs. Regional Peers:

In terms of immunization, Nepal compares favorably with many countries in the region. South Asia as a whole has made strong gains – recent data show that South Asia and Europe were the only WHO regions to reach 90% DTP3 coverage in 2023 (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA). Within South Asia, countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Nepal are top performers, all attaining over ~90% coverage for basic vaccines. For instance, Bangladesh reached 99% DTP3 in 2022–23, and Nepal is not far behind (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA) (). Larger neighbors such as India and Pakistan have historically had more subnational disparities, but India’s coverage has sharply improved (93% DTP3 in 2023) (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA), which contributes to regional progress. Nepal’s challenge, similar to others, is to ensure equitable coverage – reaching the last miles and marginalized groups (e.g., migrant populations, urban slums, remote mountainous communities). On that front, Nepal’s ongoing “Every Last Child” approach – exemplified by the search-and-vaccinate operations – is crucial.

Overall, Nepal’s immunization program stands as a success story demonstrating what a low-middle income country can achieve with dedication, community involvement, and international support. High vaccination coverage in Nepal has translated into better health outcomes and resilience against outbreaks. Of course, continuous effort is needed to maintain these gains. As Nepal adds newer vaccines (like HPV now, possibly others like varicella or typhoid in the future) and adapts to challenges (such as migrating populations or climate-related disasters that can disrupt services), it will need to innovate and invest further. But the commitment seen thus far gives confidence that Nepal will continue to be a regional leader in immunization – protecting not only its own population but contributing to broader global health goals.

Immunization Coverage: Global vs. Nepal (Selected Indicators)

To put things in perspective, the following table highlights some key immunization coverage indicators globally and for Nepal:

Vaccine/Indicator (2023)	Global Coverage	Nepal Coverage
DTP3 (3 doses diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) – a marker of infant immunization coverage	84% of infants worldwidwho.intdata.unicef.org】	~95% of infants in Nepadata.unicef.org】 (94% in 2022, rebounded post-COVIDdata.unicef.orgdata.unicef.org】
MCV1 (1st dose measles-containing vaccine) – measles first-dose coverage	83% globalldata.unicef.org】 (22.2 million children misseddata.unicef.org】	~90% in Nepadata.unicef.org】 (measles outbreaks in 2023 prompted catch-up drivesunicef.org】
Polio (Pol3 – 3 doses polio vaccine) – includes OPV/IPV, vital for eradication	83% globallwho.int】 (wild polio endemic in 2 countrieswho.int】	>90% in Nepal (OPV3 ~87% in 202data.unicef.org】; country polio-free since 2014who.int】
PCV3 (3 doses pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) – protects against pneumonia, etc.	~65% globallwho.int】 (159 countries use PCVwho.int】	~83% in Nepadata.unicef.org】 (PCV introduced 2015; high uptake achieved)
HPV (at least 1 dose in adolescent girls) – prevents cervical cancer	27% globallwho.int】 (143 countries introducedwho.int】	Newly introduced in 2025 – targeting 90% of girls aged 11–13 in Nepal’s first campaiggavi.orggavi.org】
COVID-19 vaccination (completed primary series, all ages)	~67% of world populatiodata.who.int】 (as of Dec 2023)	~80% of Nepal’s populatioycharts.com】 (as of Dec 2023)

Sources: WHO/UNICEF coverage estimates, WHO and UNICEF reports, and Nepal Ministry of Health data as cited.

The table above underscores Nepal’s strong immunization performance relative to global averages. For fundamental childhood vaccines (DTP, measles, polio, etc.), Nepal’s coverage is at or above global levels. This has translated into better protection – for example, no child has been paralyzed by wild polio in Nepal in over a decade, and deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases have become rare. At the same time, the global figures highlight areas for improvement that equally apply to Nepal: measles coverage needs to reach 95%+ to prevent outbreaks, and new vaccines like HPV must be scaled up to reach their full potential. The COVID-19 row also illustrates Nepal’s commendable effort in an adult immunization campaign. Maintaining public confidence across all these vaccines is key; Nepal has generally enjoyed high trust in immunization, thanks in part to visible successes like polio elimination and the engaged network of FCHVs who are highly respected in communities.

Regional Comparisons in Immunization Coverage

Immunization coverage varies across regions, influenced by factors such as health infrastructure, conflict, and political will. Globally, some regions have achieved the Immunization Agenda 2030 target of 90% coverage for basic vaccines, while others lag behind. In 2023, the WHO European & Central Asia region had the highest DTP3 coverage at 95%, whereas West & Central Africa had the lowest at around 69% (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA). South Asia, home to Nepal, has made impressive gains – it is one of the regions that reached an average of 90% DTP3 coverage, buoyed by progress in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Maldives (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA). In contrast, coverage in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America declined during the pandemic and is recovering more slowly. For instance, Latin America and the Caribbean saw DTP3 coverage rise from 79% in 2022 to 83% in 2023 as countries like Brazil undertook intensive catch-up efforts (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA). Eastern and Southern Africa inched up from 75% to 78% DTP3 in 2023, still below pre-pandemic levels (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA).

South Asia’s strong performance is notable given its large birth cohort. Even within regions, there is diversity: some populous countries have high national coverage but also large absolute numbers of unvaccinated children (e.g. India’s 93% DTP3 still leaves about 2 million infants unvaccinated due to its huge population) (Vaccination and Immunization Statistics – UNICEF DATA). On the other hand, smaller countries with weaker systems can have very low coverage but contribute less to global totals – these can be “hidden” in the averages. That’s why equity-focused initiatives like Gavi’s Zero-Dose Initiative pay special attention to countries and communities where coverage is <50%. It’s worth noting that many of the remaining zero-dose children are in conflict zones (e.g. Yemen, Syria, parts of sub-Saharan Africa) (Increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, UNICEF, Gavi). Those places face unique challenges in delivering vaccines, from insecurity to displacement of populations. Consequently, fragile and conflict-affected states have significantly lower immunization rates on average (Routine Vaccination Coverage — Worldwide, 2023 | MMWR). As an example, countries like South Sudan and Somalia have DTP3 coverage below 50% in recent years due to ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises.

Nepal’s context within South Asia is relatively positive – it does not have the extreme disparities seen in some neighboring countries. However, Nepal shares regional challenges such as hard-to-reach mountain communities similar to Bhutan, migrant populations like those in India, and occasional political instability. Learning from regional peers can be valuable: for instance, Bangladesh’s community-based outreach and use of religious leaders to promote immunization, or Sri Lanka’s strong health infrastructure and data monitoring, are practices that Nepal also employs. Conversely, Nepal’s experience with mobilizing volunteers and integrating campaigns (like combining measles and polio efforts) offers lessons to others. Regional cooperation – through platforms like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) – has been beneficial, for example in synchronizing polio immunization days across borders and sharing surveillance data.

In summary, while immunization coverage in South Asia and Nepal outperforms some other regions, global solidarity is needed to uplift those regions still struggling. World Immunization Week is a reminder that every region and country must work together to close the gaps, because infectious diseases do not respect borders. The COVID-19 pandemic, for one, taught us that an outbreak anywhere can quickly become a threat everywhere. Through initiatives under IA2030, successful strategies from high-performing regions (like South Asia’s community engagement or the Americas’ epidemiological surveillance networks) can be adapted to improve coverage in lower-performing regions. By the same token, Nepal and its neighbors must sustain and build on their progress – there is no room for complacency when it comes to keeping immunization coverage high year after year.

Themes of World Immunization Week from its inception to 2025

Year(s)	Theme	Source / Notes
2012	Immunization saves lives	First simultaneous global observance endorsed by World Health Assembly in 2012
2013	Protect your world – get vaccinated	WHO official campaign
2014	Are you up-to-date?	WHO official campaign
2015 – 2016	Close the immunization gap	WHO official campaign
2017	Vaccines Work	WHO official campaign
2018 – 2019	Protected Together: Vaccines Work!	WHO official campaign
2020	Vaccines Work for All	WHO official campaign, emphasizing vaccine access during COVID-19 pandemic
2021	Vaccines bring us closer	WHO official campaign focused on social connection and vaccine impact
2022	Long life for all	WHO official campaign promoting life-long immunization
2023	The Big Catch-Up	WHO official campaign focusing on catching up missed vaccinations post-pandemic
2024 – 2025	Immunization for All is Humanly Possible	Current theme highlighting universal vaccine access and achievements

Notes:

World Immunization Week was endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 2012, marking the first global simultaneous observance.

Themes from 2012 to 2017 emphasize awareness and closing immunization gaps.

From 2018 onwards, campaigns increasingly stress collective protection, equity, and vaccine efficacy.

The 2020 theme responded to the COVID-19 pandemic context.

The 2024-2025 theme underscores the global commitment to making immunization universally accessible.

Conclusion: The Future of Immunization – Reaching Every Community

As we commemorate World Immunization Week 2025, the overarching message is one of both celebration and urgent action. We celebrate the incredible impact of vaccines – millions of lives saved, disabilities averted, and healthier societies. A child in 2025 is far more likely to reach adulthood than a child in 1975, in large part because immunization has drastically reduced diseases like measles, polio, tetanus, and whooping cough ( World Immunization Week 2025 – 24 to 30 April. ) ( Contribution of vaccination to improved survival and health: modelling 50 years of the Expanded Programme on Immunization – PMC ). In Nepal, immunization has been a cornerstone of public health success, contributing to remarkable improvements in child survival and well-being. These successes were made humanly possible by the hard work of health care providers, volunteers, policy-makers, and communities who believed in the power of vaccines.

At the same time, we recognize the challenges that lie ahead. The recent stagnation in global vaccine coverage and the resurgence of some diseases are a wake-up call. To fulfill the promise of “Immunization for All,” the world must redouble its efforts to reach the unreached – the last 10-15% of children (and adults) who have not been fully immunized. This means innovating to deliver vaccines in remote or urban poor areas, fighting misinformation and building confidence in vaccines, securing sustainable financing for immunization programs, and developing new technologies (such as thermostable vaccines, micro-array patches, and next-generation vaccines for HIV, TB, etc.) that can further expand vaccine benefits. It also means integrating immunization with other health services: for example, every antenatal visit is an opportunity to vaccinate a pregnant mother, every child health check-up is a chance to verify a child’s immunization status, and every school could be a platform for delivering adolescent vaccines.

Policymakers and health professionals have a pivotal role. They must keep immunization high on the agenda. They should ensure that immunization programs are resilient even in the face of pandemics, conflicts, or natural disasters. The general public, too, plays a part by understanding the value of vaccines and advocating for immunization in their communities. The theme of World Immunization Week 2025 reminds us that achieving universal immunization is not utopian. It is within our grasp. It is “humanly possible” with collective resolve (World Immunization Week 2025). The experience of countries like Nepal shows that even with limited resources, extraordinary progress can be achieved through commitment. Smart strategies and partnership also play a crucial role.

Looking ahead, there are many reasons for optimism. The pipeline of new vaccines is promising. Examples include vaccines against malaria. This vaccination effort has already begun rolling out in Africa. There is also a potential vaccine for dengue that could help Asia. mRNA vaccines tailored to various diseases also promise to tackle diseases that have long afflicted humanity. If the world can pair these scientific advances with robust delivery on the ground, we could envision a future free of polio and measles. It might also be free of cervical cancer, neonatal deaths from severe diarrhea, and even malaria deaths. This would be an amazing legacy for the next generation. As WHO has stated, “Vaccines demonstrate that reducing disease is achievable. They show that longer lives are possible when we put our minds to it.” ( World Immunization Week 2025 – 24 to 30 April. ) On this World Immunization Week, that sentiment should inspire all of us – health workers, officials, and citizens alike – to renew our commitment to immunization for all. By doing so, we can protect the gains of the past 50 years and chart a healthier future where no one suffers from a preventable disease. Immunization for all is not just a dream; it is our collective responsibility and within our power to achieve.