Nearly 1.7 million babies in the WHO Western Pacific Region—approximately one in every 11 born—did not receive a single routine vaccine dose in 2025. This gap contributes to a decline in coverage for the three-dose vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP3), which fell from 94% in 2019 to 89% in 2025.
DTP3 coverage falls as measles resurges
The drop in DTP3 rates serves as a primary indicator of weakening routine immunization systems across the Western Pacific. While 29 countries and areas have previously verified the elimination of measles and rubella, the disease is now resurging in parts of the region. Because measles is highly contagious, an immunity gap in one location creates a systemic risk for the entire interconnected region.
Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, stated that every outbreak is preceded by a gap, citing missed children, delayed actions, weakened trust, or communities that regular programs fail to reach.
Did you know? Since 1974, vaccination has prevented an estimated 154 million deaths globally. Measles vaccination alone is credited with saving roughly 94 million lives, including 12 million in the Western Pacific.
Health workers combat geographic and cultural barriers
Delivery of vaccines often requires navigating extreme physical and social obstacles. In Fiji’s Yasawa Islands, nurse supervisor Melaia Tuiwara uses boats to reach remote communities, often packing extra clothing for overnight stays caused by rough seas.
In Merauke, Indonesia, the challenge is trust and communication. School principal Sister Monica Simarmata organizes meetings between parents and health workers, utilizing local Papuan teachers to translate health information through shared language and culture to increase vaccine acceptance.
WHO Regional Committee targets 2030 goals in Manila
Representatives from Ministries of Health will meet in Manila from October 19 to 22 for the seventy-seventh session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific. Accelerating immunization is a primary agenda item alongside tobacco control, hypertension control, and artificial intelligence in health.
The proposed Regional Plan through 2030 focuses on three priorities:
- Reducing zero-dose and under-immunized populations.
- Achieving and sustaining the elimination of measles.
- Advancing immunization across the entire life course, including HPV vaccines for adolescents and protections for pregnant women and older adults.
Systemic Impact: Strong immunization programs double as investments in primary health care. The surveillance, laboratories, and supply chains used for vaccines are the same tools countries use to detect and respond to other emerging health threats.
Life-course vaccination faces financing hurdles
Immunization needs are shifting from childhood-only models to life-course protection. This includes the expansion of HPV vaccination programs, which 35 countries and areas in the region have already introduced to combat cervical cancer.
However, expanding these services requires sustainable national financing. The WHO notes that governments currently face competing priorities and unpredictable global health financing, making the transition from identifying bottlenecks to implementing funded solutions the primary challenge.
DTP3 coverage drops while polio status remains stable
| Metric | 2019 Status | 2025 Status |
|---|---|---|
| DTP3 Coverage | 94% | 89% |
| Polio Status | Polio-free | Polio-free (>25 years) |
Common questions about Western Pacific immunization
Which countries are currently working toward measles elimination?
Nine countries in the Western Pacific region are currently working toward the goal of measles elimination by 2030.
What is a “zero-dose” population?
In the context of the 2025 data, this refers to children like the 1.7 million babies in the region who did not receive even a first routine vaccine dose.
How is HPV vaccination being used in the region?
Thirty-five countries and areas have introduced HPV vaccination programs specifically to extend protection against cervical cancer.
The region has maintained its polio-free status for more than 25 years.