India's Commitment to Reducing Zero-Dose Children Amid WHO Report

India's population has not been considered while comparing child vaccination data with 19 other countries in recent WHO and UNICEF estimates. Despite having the second highest number of zero-dose children globally, Indian health authorities highlight improved national immunization coverage and better performance than global averages.

India's vast population has been overlooked in the latest WHO and UNICEF immunization coverage estimates, which compare children's vaccination data from 19 other countries, according to official sources.

Despite India having the second-highest number of zero-dose children globally, authorities maintain that the country is committed to reducing this figure. These zero-dose children represent only 0.11% of India's total population. The Union health ministry emphasized that India’s DPT1 vaccination coverage is at 93%, above the global average of 89%.

The analysis shows an improvement in India's rank from 2021 when it topped the list for zero-dose children. The ministry claims India surpasses global averages for DPT3 and MCV1 vaccines as well. Efforts, including a special zero-dose plan, are underway to address the issue.