BIMARU states top in non/partially-immunized children: UN agencies

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The 'BIMARU' Indian states - Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh - have the highest numbers of partially immunized and non-immunized children, according to UN bodies WHO and Unicef.

According to data shared by the UN bodies on Monday, the national average for full immunization is 62 per cent, for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTP3) coverage is 78.4 per cent and for measles first dose 81.1 per cent.

According to them, a record 123 million children were immunized globally in 2017.

"(As many as) 9 out of every 10 children received at least one dose of DTP vaccine in 2017, gaining protection against these deadly diseases. An additional 4.6 million infants were vaccinated globally in 2017 compared to 2010, due to global population growth," it said.

However, the report also suggested that almost 20 million children did not receive the benefits of full immunization in 2017. Of these, almost 8 million (40 per cent) live in fragile or humanitarian settings, including countries affected by conflict.

"(A total of) 167 countries included a second dose of measles vaccine as part of their routine vaccination schedule and 162 countries now use rubella vaccines. As a result, global coverage against measles and rubella increased from 35 per cent in 2010 to 52 per cent," it said.

In addition, the report said that a growing share are from middle-income countries, where inequity and marginalization, particularly among the urban poor, prevent many from getting immunized.

"To reach all children with much-needed vaccines, the world will need to vaccinate an estimated 20 million additional children every year with three doses of the DTP3; 45 million with a second dose of measles vaccine; and 76 million children with 3 doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine," it said.

--IANS

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