The Big Catch-up

April 26, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a major disruption in healthcare services, with more than 100 countries registering a drop in immunization levels. This has resulted in a crisis where around 75% of children have missed essential immunization against preventable but critical diseases in 2021. A targeted global initiative named The Big Catch-up has been implemented by a consortium of organizations such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, and Immunization Agenda 2030, among other public health organizations, to elevate vaccination levels among children, as they have dropped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Impact of the Pandemic

Due to the pandemic, health services were overburdened, leading to the shutdown of clinics and causing disturbances in the transportation of medical supplies such as vials, syringes, and other equipment. Furthermore, strict lockdown measures, travel restrictions, and depleting financial and human resources further compounded access to healthcare. The disruption has already led to outbreaks of diseases like measles, diphtheria, polio, and yellow fever becoming more prevalent and severe.

Countries Showing Progress

While the pandemic has derailed immunization efforts, some countries have already shown considerable progress. For instance, India managed to record a strong recovery in essential vaccines in 2022, Uganda stood out by maintaining high immunization levels in the early years of the pandemic, while Kenya has targeted its approach to address immunization needs of the country’s northern nomadic populations.

The Big Catch-up

The Big Catch-Up will pay special attention to the 20 countries home to a majority of the children who have missed their vaccine doses. The plan’s salient features include strengthening health care workforces, improving health service delivery, building trust and demand for vaccines within communities, and addressing gaps and obstacles to restoring immunization.

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