What the sources establish
- WHO reported 85% coverage for the third diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis dose.
- An estimated 13.5 million children were classified as zero-dose.
- More than half of zero-dose children lived in fragile, conflict-affected, or vulnerable settings.
How to read the bigger picture
A high global average can coexist with communities where protection is much lower. Completion of a multi-dose schedule and reaching zero-dose children are different operational challenges.
What we should keep in view
- Coverage is estimated from reported data and other evidence.
- Global averages conceal national and local disparities.
- This is population-level analysis, not individual medical advice.
What would change the picture?
- Track zero-dose populations and completion of dose schedules.
- Read coverage changes with country-specific reporting quality.
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