'Zero-Dose' Kids 3 Times Higher in Conflict Zones: Aid Group
With more funding, Save the Children said Gavi could strengthen health systems, deliver more vaccines and focus on zero-dose children, those under-immunized, in conflict areas and at high climate risk
PARIS— The number of children who have never received a routine vaccination is three times higher in conflict zones than the global average, according to new analysis by Save the Children released Tuesday ahead of a major immunization summit in Paris, writes Winston Mwale.
The aid group's review of U.N. data found 22.7% of kids in conflict areas are "zero-dose" unvaccinated children, compared to 7.1% worldwide. In African countries, the rate is 18.7% — more than twice the international average of 6.9%.
The findings aim to spur increased funding for Gavi, the global Vaccine Alliance, particularly from donors committed to spending 0.7% of budgets on overseas development assistance, Save the Children said. It has partnered with Gavi to boost vaccination in marginalized communities.
"Every child has the right to vaccines as part of their right to health," the group said, adding that unvaccinated kids in conflict zones already face huge health disadvantages from disrupted services and disease spread.
In Sudan, where fighting erupted last year, mother Hadia fled Khartoum while pregnant, giving birth just two days before becoming displaced.
"I was scared about my children missing their immunizations, even more than the displacement itself," she said. "I know that missing immunizations can make children sick."
With more funding, Save the Children said Gavi could strengthen health systems, deliver more vaccines and focus on zero-dose children, those under-immunized, in conflict areas and at high climate risk.
Nearly half of countries eligible for Gavi aid are fragile, conflict-affected states.
The U.N.-hosted summit this week also launches an initiative to accelerate vaccine production across Africa.