• Vaccination rates have stagnated, leaving significant gaps in protection against preventable diseases.
• Pakistan and India have the highest number of zero-dose children in South Asia.
• The COVID-19 pandemic worsened vaccination efforts, contributing to higher risks for children.
• More than 16 million children are estimated to be without any vaccinations globally.
• Experts warn of the need for urgent action to improve vaccine access and combat misinformation.

Recent analyses published in The Lancet reveal a frightening stall in global childhood vaccination efforts, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable diseases such as measles, tuberculosis, and polio. Since 2010, vaccination programs have either stagnated or declined, largely influenced by persistent health inequalities, misinformation, and heightened vaccine hesitancy, especially following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to BBC and Africanews.

By 2023, nearly 16 million children globally had not received any vaccinations, with over half concentrated in just eight countries, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. In Pakistan, there are approximately 419,000 children who have received zero doses, making it imperative to address the urgent need for vaccination in the region, according to Dawn and Dawn.

The stagnation in vaccination efforts over the past two decades has been further exacerbated by significant cuts to international aid aimed at supporting vaccination programs. Experts warn that public health consequences could be dire, potentially leading to increased rates of hospitalization and fatalities from diseases that are otherwise preventable, as noted by health officials from the University of Washington and other sources including BBC and Africanews.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a 'perfect storm' characterized by heightened vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, complicating efforts to achieve universal vaccination coverage by 2030. Researchers suggest that transformational improvements must be implemented to meet global immunization targets, particularly through equitable access to vaccines, as highlighted by the findings presented in The Lancet and reported by Dawn.

In conclusion, the sharp decline in vaccination rates coupled with the socio-economic challenges presented by the pandemic poses significant health risks, especially in Pakistan and similar contexts. Immediate and coordinated efforts are vital to combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, as recommended by health experts from various studies and articles including BBC, Africanews, and Dawn.