Zero‑Dose Children – Zero Excuses! Immunising the Most Vulnerable in an Era of Turbulence

Despite major gains since 2000, progress in reducing child mortality has sharply slowed, leaving millions of children unreached by essential health services. In 2024 alone, 14.3 million children received no vaccines, many of them “zero‑dose” children living in communities affected by fragility, conflict, marginalisation, and chronic under‑investment. As Gavi 6.0 and Immunization Agenda 2030 enter a critical phase, countries face growing financial and operational pressures that threaten equity goals. This WHA79 side event convenes governments, partners, and civil society to bridge global commitments with frontline realities and accelerate progress for zero‑dose children in a rapidly changing global health architecture.