Hanoi, July 17, 2025 – The Europe Today: Vietnam has made significant strides in protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases, according to the latest estimates released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF under the WUENIC (WHO and UNICEF Estimates of National Immunisation Coverage) report on July 15.
The report highlights that in 2024, Việt Nam achieved a remarkable 99% coverage for the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine—up from 80% in 2023. The country not only returned to its pre-pandemic immunisation levels but surpassed the 2019 figures, marking a major milestone in public health recovery and advancement.
As a result, the number of zero-dose children—those who had not received any vaccines—dropped sharply from 274,000 in 2023 to just 13,000 in 2024, reflecting a decline of over 95%. This significant achievement has improved protection for countless Vietnamese children and positioned the nation well above global averages in vaccination coverage.
The success is credited to strong governmental leadership, the dedication of healthcare professionals, and the active participation of parents and communities. WHO Deputy Representative in Việt Nam, Dr Jennifer Horton, praised the health sector for its efforts to revitalise routine immunisation and conduct mass measles vaccination campaigns during the 2024–2025 outbreak, with nearly 1.3 million children vaccinated against measles during this period.
“This positive increase in vaccination coverage is a tribute to the thousands of healthcare workers who restored life-saving services after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr Horton stated.
Dr Nguyễn Huy Du, Acting Chief of Child Survival and Development at UNICEF Vietnam, lauded the country’s commitment to child health, saying, “Vietnam’s success sends a powerful message to the region and beyond: with political will, timely vaccine provision, and community engagement, reaching every child is possible.”
The report also notes that coverage for the full three-dose schedule of the DTP vaccine increased from 65% in 2023 to 97% in 2024, and measles first-dose coverage jumped from 82% to 98%, significantly reducing the risk of outbreaks.
However, challenges persist. Approximately 40,000 children remain unvaccinated with the third dose of the DTP vaccine, and 27,000 missed the first measles dose. These gaps call for continued investments in outreach, healthcare worker training, and countering misinformation.
Factors such as geographical barriers, limited access in remote areas, and post-pandemic disruptions continue to hinder full vaccine uptake. WHO and UNICEF emphasize the importance of reinforcing vaccine supply chains and engaging private healthcare providers to ensure no child is left behind.
Vietnam’s achievement reflects the power of local leadership, domestic investment, and an integrated primary healthcare approach. As the world works toward the goals of the Immunization Agenda 2030, Vietnam stands as a model of what is possible through equity-focused, decisive action.
