A new Lancet study reveals a stagnation in childhood vaccination coverage over the past two decades, leaving millions of children vulnerable to preventable diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the issue, resulting in significantly more unvaccinated children globally. Pakistan is highlighted as having the second-highest number of children with zero vaccine doses in South Asia, after India. The study emphasizes the need for improved equity and stronger efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy to meet 2030 immunization goals. Challenges include population growth and strained healthcare systems.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.