Preventable Diseases Resurgence Threatens Region
- Across Latin America, childhood vaccination rates have declined substantially over the past decade, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable diseases, according to the United nations ChildrenS Fund (UNICEF). The...
- "The vaccination landscape varies across the region, reflecting its diverse cultures," saeid dr.
- In 2021, coverage for the first and third doses of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine in the Americas reached its lowest level in 20 years, at...
Latin America Faces Declining Vaccination Rates, Risking Disease Resurgence
Table of Contents
- Latin America Faces Declining Vaccination Rates, Risking Disease Resurgence
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis Coverage Dips
- Pan American Health Organization Urges Action
- Central america Grapples with Whooping Cough
- Resurgence of Preventable Diseases
- Recommendations for Improving Vaccination Coverage
- Outbreaks Across the Americas
- The Danger of Whooping Cough
- Importance of Hexavalent Vaccines
- Polio resurfaces
- Collective Immunity at Risk
- Vaccination Week in the Americas
- Declining Vaccination Rates in Latin America: A Thorough Guide
Across Latin America, childhood vaccination rates have declined substantially over the past decade, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable diseases, according to the United nations ChildrenS Fund (UNICEF). The agency estimates that more than 67 million children in the region lack a complete vaccination schedule, with a staggering 48 million having received no essential vaccines at all. Health officials are now observing the consequences of this decline.
“The vaccination landscape varies across the region, reflecting its diverse cultures,” saeid dr. Rodrigo Alberto Restrepo González, Executive Director of Medical Impact in Colombia. “Though, common challenges exist, leading to the same outcome: children suffering from preventable diseases due to lack of vaccination.”
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis Coverage Dips
UNICEF data indicates a concerning trend. In 2021, coverage for the first and third doses of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine in the Americas reached its lowest level in 20 years, at 87% and 81% respectively.
Pan American Health Organization Urges Action
The 23rd annual Vaccination week in the Americas (SVA), observed from april 26 to May 3, highlights the urgency of the situation. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is calling for immediate action to reverse the decline in vaccination rates and prevent the resurgence of preventable diseases.
Central america Grapples with Whooping Cough
Central America is also experiencing the impact of declining vaccination rates. Costa Rica reported 113 laboratory-confirmed cases of whooping cough as of Dec. 12, 2024, a rate of 2.1 per 100,000 inhabitants. In honduras, 13 cases of whooping cough were reported in san pedro Sula as of March 22, 2025. Guatemala reported 65 suspected and 9 positive cases in 2024, followed by 13 suspected and 6 positive cases in 2025.
Resurgence of Preventable Diseases
“When vaccination rates decline,preventable diseases find an possibility to reappear,” said Dr. maría Luis Ávila, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and president of SLIPE. “We are witnessing this with whooping cough, measles, polio, yellow fever, and other infections that had been largely controlled in the region. The effects are already evident.”
Dr. Ávila noted that after a global low of 3,293 whooping cough cases in 2022, following more than 72,000 cases reported worldwide in 2012, a rebound was observed in several countries in 2024, including Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and the United States.
Recommendations for Improving Vaccination Coverage
Dr. Ávila recommends several key actions to improve vaccination coverage:
- Strengthen interaction between health authorities,scientific societies,and communities.
- Implement educational campaigns based on scientific evidence to combat misinformation.
- Facilitate access to vaccination through innovative strategies such as mobile units and extended hours.
- Create a complete ecosystem where each actor contributes to communicating the benefits of immunization and improving coverage rates through coordinated efforts.
Outbreaks Across the Americas
Health experts emphasize that these outbreaks are not isolated incidents. In Mexico, the Secretary of Health issued an epidemiological alert in early March due to an increase in reported cases of whooping cough and related deaths. In Paraguay, the General Directorate of health Surveillance issued an epidemiological alert in February 2025 due to an increase in whooping cough cases compared to previous years, with 7 cases reported in epidemiological week 4 of 2025 (71% with incomplete vaccination schedules) compared to 6 cases throughout 2024.
Argentina has also seen a rise in cases. As of April 7, 2025, the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires confirmed 24 cases of whooping cough, compared to zero cases in 2024.
The Danger of Whooping Cough
“Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria,” experts say. “It is indeed characterized by intense coughing fits that can be life-threatening, especially in infants and children under 5 years old. We must address this increase in cases and urge parents and caregivers to ensure their children’s vaccination schedules are up to date. otherwise, we will not be able to reverse these trends.”
Importance of Hexavalent Vaccines
Dr. Ávila highlighted the importance of hexavalent vaccines, which protect against six diseases in a single dose, to simplify vaccination schedules and improve coverage.
Polio resurfaces
Other diseases, such as polio, have also resurfaced in recent years after decades of control and elimination in the region. In 2022, the united States registered a case in new York state, and Peru reported a confirmed case of polio in March of the same year. Both cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals.
Collective Immunity at Risk
The decline in vaccination coverage not only threatens individual health but also compromises collective immunity. the challenge is to achieve the goals of the 2030 Immunization Agenda and ensure that all children receive their first dose of essential vaccines.
Vaccination Week in the Americas
During Vaccination Week in the Americas,from April 26 to May 3,public and private institutions are joining forces to strengthen vaccination programs in the region,eliminate barriers to access,and ensure that all children receive the vaccines they need. Vaccines are a key tool to prevent disease spread.
Here’s a Q&A focused on the provided text, aimed at educating about the decline in vaccination rates in Latin America and its consequences:
Declining Vaccination Rates in Latin America: A Thorough Guide
what is the main issue highlighted in the article?
The article reports a concerning decline in childhood vaccination rates across Latin America, putting millions of children at risk of preventable diseases.
Which vaccines are specifically mentioned as having declining coverage?
The article highlights a dip in the coverage of the diphtheria,tetanus,and pertussis (DTP) vaccine.
What were the DTP vaccination coverage rates in 2021 in the Americas?
In 2021, coverage for the first dose of the DTP vaccine was 87%, and the third dose was 81%, the lowest levels in the last 20 years.
What is the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) doing in response?
PAHO is urging immediate action to reverse the decline in vaccination rates and prevent the resurgence of preventable diseases. This call to action is especially emphasized during Vaccination Week in the Americas.
What is Vaccination Week in the Americas?
Vaccination Week in the Americas (SVA) is an annual event, observed from April 26 to May 3, that aims to highlight the importance of vaccination and encourage increased coverage. It serves as a platform for public and private institutions to collaborate on strengthening vaccination programs.
Which diseases are mentioned as resurfacing due to declining vaccination rates?
The article specifically mentions whooping cough (pertussis), measles, polio, and yellow fever as diseases that are potentially resurfacing due to lower vaccination rates.
What is whooping cough?
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It is characterized by intense coughing fits that can be life-threatening, especially in infants and children under 5 years old.
What are the specific examples of whooping cough outbreaks mentioned in the article?
Costa Rica: 113 laboratory-confirmed cases as of December 12, 2024.
Honduras (San Pedro Sula): 13 cases as of March 22, 2025.
Guatemala: 65 suspected and 9 positive cases in 2024; 13 suspected and 6 positive cases in 2025.
Mexico: An epidemiological alert was issued by the Secretary of Health due to an increase in cases and related deaths.
Paraguay: An epidemiological alert was issued in February 2025, with 7 cases reported in epidemiological week 4 of 2025.
argentina: 24 cases of whooping cough confirmed in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires as of April 7, 2025, compared to zero in 2024.
What are the recommendations for improving vaccination coverage, according to Dr. María Luis Ávila?
Dr. Ávila recommends the following key actions:
Strengthen interaction between health authorities, scientific societies, and communities.
Implement educational campaigns based on scientific evidence to combat misinformation.
facilitate access to vaccination through innovative strategies such as mobile units and extended hours.
Create a complete ecosystem where each actor contributes to communicating the benefits of immunization and improving coverage rates through coordinated efforts.
What is the importance of hexavalent vaccines?
Dr. Ávila highlights the importance of hexavalent vaccines because they protect against six diseases in a single dose, simplifying vaccination schedules and improving coverage.
What are the implications of declining vaccination on collective immunity?
Declining vaccination coverage not only threatens individual health but also compromises collective immunity.
Were there any polio cases recorded at recent times?
Yes, in 2022, the United States registered a case in new York state, and Peru reported a confirmed case in March of the same year. both cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals.