The newly released estimates of national immunization coverage from the World Health Organization and UNICEF indicate that global coverage for the third dose of polio vaccine in routine immunization systems was 84% in 2024. That’s the same as in 2022 and 2023 but still below pre-pandemic coverage of 86% from 2017 through 2019.
While immunization rates show signs of recovery in many countries, gaps persist, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings. There, the number of children who have not received any vaccine remains high. Ensuring comprehensive coverage and strengthening health care systems remain crucial for achieving a polio-free world.