Childhood vaccination rates in Sudan fallen to their lowest level in 40 years

The war in Sudan has led to a decline in vaccination rates in the country by nearly 40 years, putting children at grave jeopardy from deadly, preventable diseases.

According to data published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, more than half of the infants—at least 880,000 children—who were scheduled to receive their first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine in Sudan last year did not receive it.

“This war has reversed nearly 40 years of progress in protecting vulnerable children in Sudan from serious diseases,” said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.