Zero-dose children

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In the last five decades, vaccinations have granted life to an estimated 154 million children around the world. A study, published in prestigious British medical journal The Lancet, while touting this marvellous feat of modern medicine, is flashing red lights at declining global progress regarding vaccinations in more recent decades. The distressing warning comes merely a few years after the Covid-19 pandemic, which reportedly amplified vaccine coverage inequities and stagnating development. And in this global crisis, Pakistan unfortunately holds the position of having South Asia's second highest number of zero-dose children.

These 'zero-dose' children – those who have not received any vaccinations – are left defenceless against the risk of fatal, yet preventable, diseases. About 419,000 children did not receive routine vaccinations in 2023, turning diseases like measles, tuberculosis and polio more dangerous than ever.

For decades, Pakistan has failed to eliminate wild-type polio, which only persists in two countries around the world. Now, with its second highest ranking in South Asia of zero-dose children, the healthcare climate for the region's youngest and most vulnerable is rapidly becoming one of the worst in the world.

Reaching the WHO's goal of improving vaccine coverage globally through the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), as per The Lancet study, necessitates "accelerated progress". But in a country where the federal budget prioritises security spending and bureaucratic salary raises, and much of the dedicated healthcare budget slips through the cracks of corruption, any progress seems to be a welcome contribution.

Moreover, misinformation regarding vaccines is so rampant in Pakistani society that the culture often becomes its own worst enemy. This recent ranking demands all caretakers of our nation's children to jolt themselves awake and face the sordid reality of their inaction – before the toll falls solely on those least to blame.