India diminished its variety of zero-dose youngsters — those that haven’t acquired a single vaccine — by 43%, from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024. Nepal achieved a 52% discount, from 23,000 to 11,000, a WHO assertion stated.
Pakistan additionally recorded its highest-ever DTP3 (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) protection at 87%. However, Afghanistan continued to battle, with the bottom protection within the area and a one proportion level decline since final yr, it added.
The progress marks a milestone within the area’s efforts to guard each youngster from vaccine-preventable illnesses.
“This is a proud moment for South Asia. More children are protected today than ever before, thanks to tireless frontline health workers, strong government leadership, donors’ and partners’ support and the unwavering trust of families,” stated Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia.
“But we cannot forget the millions of children who are under-vaccinated or unvaccinated. Now is the time to push further, especially into the most rural areas, to give every child his or her right to healthcare in the earliest years of life,” he stated.
In 2024, 92% of infants in South Asia acquired the third dose of the DTP vaccine — an important world indicator — up two proportion factors from 2023. The first-dose DTP protection rose from 93 to 95%, displaying a robust restoration past pre-COVID ranges, the assertion stated.
There was additionally a 27% drop in zero-dose youngsters throughout the area, from 2.5 million in 2023 to 1.8 million in 2024.
The area additionally made important strides in measles management. In 2024, 93% of infants acquired the primary dose and 88% the second dose of the measles vaccine, up from 90% and 87% respectively. Measles instances fell 39%— from over 90,000 in 2023 to about 55,000 this yr. However, protection nonetheless stays under the 95% threshold wanted to stop outbreaks, the assertion stated.
“It is heartening to see WHO South-East Asia Region reach the highest ever immunization rates, surpassing the pre-pandemic up-trend. We must build on this momentum and step up efforts to reach every child with these lifesaving vaccines. Together we can, and we must,” stated Dr. Thaksaphon Thamarangsi, Director Programme Management, WHO South-East Asia Region.
HPV vaccination protection for adolescent women rose from 2% in 2023 to 9% in 2024. Bangladesh made important progress, vaccinating over 7.1 million women since launching its programme in 2023. Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka additionally elevated their HPV protection by 3 proportion factors (91% to 94%), 15 factors (60% to 75%), and 17 factors (31% to 48%) respectively.
Nepal launched its nationwide HPV vaccination marketing campaign in February 2025 and has vaccinated over 1.4 million women. India and Pakistan are anticipated to roll out their HPV vaccination programmes later this yr, the assertion stated.
Behind these features are sustained authorities efforts, investments, insurance policies, and the dedication of frontline and group well being staff—a lot of them girls—alongside donor and associate help. Use of digital instruments, improved information programs, and focused outreach campaigns have additionally performed a key function, it stated.
While important progress was made, over 2.9 million youngsters within the area stay un- or under-vaccinated and due to this fact unprotected, the assertion stated.
With this in thoughts, UNICEF and WHO urged governments in South Asia to maintain political dedication, enhance home financing for immunization, increase HPV vaccine protection, and intensify efforts to achieve zero-dose and under-vaccinated youngsters. They additionally referred to as for higher funding in frontline well being staff and reinforcement of surveillance programs for vaccine-preventable illnesses.
