India, July 15 -- In 2024, 89% of infants globally - about 115 million - received at least one dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP)-containing vaccine, and 85% - roughly 109 million - completed all three doses, according to new national immunization coverage data released today by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.

Compared to 2023, around 171 000 more children received at least one vaccine, and one million more completed the full three-dose DTP series.

While the gains are modest, they signal continued progress by countries working to protect children, even amid growing challenges.

Still, nearly 20 million infants missed at least one dose of DTP-containing vaccine last year, including 14.3 million "zero-dose...