Covid-19 disrupts childhood immunization programs

On 15 July 2021, the United Nations Organization (UNO) has sounded the alarm fearing the fight against Covid-19 to come at the expense of childhood immunization programs.

In 2020, 23 million children were deprived of vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP3). In 2019, 3.7 million childern were in this situation.

Before the health crisis, the vaccination rate against pertussis was set at 86%, in 2020 it was established at 83%.

71% of children were able to receive the second dose of the vaccine against measles. For the record, a vaccination coverage rate of 95% is required for the disease to be contained.

The UN warns of an "absolute disaster" in 2021, if the backlog in child immunization is not caught up.