Over 9 lakh Indian children did not receive single dose of any routine vaccination in 2024: WHO
New Delhi: India recorded over 9 lakh children who did not receive a single dose of any routine vaccine in 2024, according to new data released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF.
These ‘zero-dose’ children—those completely missed by routine immunisation services—make India the country with the second-highest number globally, behind Nigeria, which reported 2.1 million such cases.
However, Union Health Ministry officials quoted by The New Indian Express noted that India’s absolute numbers should be viewed in the context of its large population. “India, due to its population size, will always come among the top ten countries,” they opined.
Despite the figures, there’s a marked improvement. According to Dr Vivek Singh, Chief of Health at UNICEF, India’s immunisation coverage now exceeds global averages across all vaccines, with the country recording the largest decline in zero-dose children—from 15.92 lakh in 2023 to 9.09 lakh in 2024.
“The vast improvements in coverage reflect India’s strong national leadership and commitment to immunisation as a public health priority, and its vision where every child is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases,” TNIE quoted Singh as saying.
According to Union Health Ministry officials, India has consistently maintained vaccination coverage above 90% since 2019, barring temporary disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. “System-strengthening efforts through intensified catch-up campaigns have helped reach the children who missed routine vaccinations. The oversight has helped reduce zero-dose children by 43% from 2023 figures,” the news outlet quoted the officials as saying.
The UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) also recognised India as a global model in reducing child illness and mortality.
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MP: 12 labourers killed, 20 injured as pick-up van overturns and crashes into SUV
Dhar (MP) (PTI): Twelve labourers were killed and 20 others injured when the pick-up van carrying them overturned and collided with an SUV in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday night, an official said.
The incident occurred at 8:30-9 PM. According to preliminary information, 35 labourers were returning home in a pickup van from Baggad in Dhar district when the driver lost control of the vehicle near Chikliya crossing. The vehicle overturned and collided with an SUV coming from the opposite direction.
"Twelve people died on the spot, while approximately 20 others were injured," said Dhar district's in-charge collector, Abhishek Choudhary.
The seriously injured persons were referred to Indore after initial treatment, he said.
Choudhary, DIG Mayank Awasthi, and police personnel rushed to the spot.
Tirla police have registered a case and are investigating the accident.
