Trends in immunization coverage (Global and Regional)

DPT refers to the combined diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccine. The percentage of children receiving the third dose, DPT3, is an indicator of how well countries provide routine immunization.

 

Global coverage for DPT3 has slowly but steadily increased to 81 per cent in 2007, a remarkable improvement from 20 per cent in 1980

Regional performance

While global coverage for DPT3 (three doses of the combined diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus vaccine) has hovered between 70-81 per cent since 1990, significant variations exist between and within regions and countries. Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, lags behind, but continues to make steady progress with coverage at 73 per cent estimated in 2007. The coverage for South Asia, long stagnant, has nevertheless shown growth from 63 per cent in 2003 to 69 per cent in 2007.