The World Health Organization and Gavi report that more than 100 million vaccine doses have reached 18.3 million children since 2023 through the campaign "The Big Catch-Up," which targeted 1- to 5-year-olds across 36 countries. The drive vaccinated 12.3 million previously zero-dose children and reached many who had missed measles shots, and is on track to hit a goal of reaching at least 21 million un- and under-immunised children. Agencies warn that funding cuts and conflict threaten these gains.
WHO and Gavi Deliver 100M+ Childhood Vaccine Doses in 'The Big Catch-Up', Aim to Reach 21M Children
A view shows The World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, January 28, 2025. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
More than 100 million vaccine doses have been delivered to 18.3 million children worldwide since 2023 as part of a global effort to reverse the pandemic-related decline in routine childhood immunisation, the World Health Organization (WHO) and vaccine alliance Gavi said on Thursday.
The campaign, called "The Big Catch-Up," was launched during World Immunisation Week in 2023. Focused on children aged 1 to 5 and operating across 36 countries, the initiative concluded in March of this year.
According to WHO and Gavi, the drive reached about 12.3 million previously "zero-dose" children—those who had never received any vaccine—and protected them against diseases such as diphtheria and polio. The initiative also reached many children who had missed measles vaccination: roughly 15 million had not received a measles shot before the campaign.
While final numbers are still being compiled, the agencies said the global effort is on track to meet its objective of reaching at least 21 million un- and under-immunised children.
"Recent sharp funding cuts to global health have seriously affected delivery of immunization services and could likely reverse hard-earned progress," said Ephrem Lemango, Chief of Immunization at UNICEF.
The push comes amid reports that some traditional backers, including the United States, have scaled back aid. Last year the U.S. reduced financial support for Gavi amid debates over vaccine programs and safety raised by critics. Agencies warn that these funding pressures, together with conflict in certain countries, put routine immunisation gains at risk.
WHO and Gavi noted that about 14.5 million children missed basic vaccinations in 2023, with the sharpest setbacks in countries experiencing conflict. The agencies say continued funding and political support will be essential to sustain progress and prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, diphtheria and polio.
Reporting note: Figures are based on agency releases as final verification continues.
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