South Asia has achieved a remarkable public health milestone in 2024, reaching its highest-ever immunization coverage for children, according to newly released data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. The news marks a turning point not only for the region but also offers valuable lessons for countries like Thailand as they strive to strengthen child health and protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
At the heart of this achievement lies a powerful collaboration between governments, frontline health workers, international donors, and the communities themselves. Early results released by WHO Thailand on July 16, 2025, highlight the collective push across South Asia – which includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka – that led to a dramatic increase in vaccine coverage. According to UNICEF’s Regional Director for South Asia, “This is a proud moment for South Asia. More children are protected today than ever before, thanks to tireless frontline health workers, strong government leadership, donors’ and partners’ support and the unwavering trust of families.”
For Thai readers, the significance of this achievement is twofold. Firstly, South Asia’s success showcases the crucial role of coordinated action among health authorities and community leaders – a principle that Thailand has long championed in its own health system. Secondly, the gains underscore the ongoing challenge of reaching the “last mile”: millions of children in rural and marginalized communities are still under- or unvaccinated, an issue not unfamiliar in remote areas of northern and southern Thailand.
The new data from WHO and UNICEF credited increased investments in primary healthcare infrastructure, innovative outreach strategies such as mobile vaccination clinics, and enhanced public awareness campaigns for the record high immunization rates. In countries like India, which accounts for more than one-fourth of the world’s annual births, targeted initiatives to address vaccine hesitancy and logistical barriers have led to significant improvements. In Pakistan and Nepal, partnerships with civil society organizations and local volunteers have helped immunization teams penetrate difficult-to-access regions, a strategy that could provide a model for similar outreach in the mountainous or hard-to-reach regions of Thailand’s border provinces.
Notably, the latest immunization drive has prioritized not just the quantity of vaccinations delivered, but also the quality, ensuring that children receive the full schedule of essential vaccines at appropriate ages. This comprehensive approach is credited with substantial reductions in cases of measles, polio, diphtheria, and other childhood diseases. As a result, South Asia is set to avert tens of thousands of child deaths and illnesses each year.
Despite these gains, the UNICEF Regional Director cautioned that the journey is not complete: “But we cannot forget the millions of children who are under vaccinated or unvaccinated. Now is the time to push further, especially into the most rural areas, to give every child his or her right to healthcare in the earliest years of life.” This sentiment echoes global public health experts’ concern that coverage gaps could leave vulnerable groups exposed to dangerous outbreaks.
Thailand’s own Ministry of Public Health has historically maintained strong vaccination campaigns, boasting coverage rates among the highest in Southeast Asia (WHO Thailand Country Profile). However, routine immunization was impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with disruptions in outreach and a temporary drop in rates. Lessons from South Asia’s model – leveraging community trust, boosting logistical planning, and addressing vaccine hesitancy through culturally tailored communications – offer timely strategies as Thailand works to recover immunization momentum, particularly for ethnic minority and migrant communities.
The cultural context of immunization in Thailand shares striking similarities with its South Asian neighbors. Both regions draw upon the influence of Buddhist teachings on compassion and collective well-being, which can be powerful motivators for vaccine acceptance. Community temples and local leaders in Thailand have often played a role similar to that of South Asia’s health volunteers, acting as trusted intermediaries and advocates for health interventions. Historical Thai government campaigns, such as the “Mother and Child Health” initiative, underscore the importance placed on child health as a shared national priority (Bangkok Post archives).
Looking to the future, experts predict that the ripple effects of South Asia’s success will extend beyond the region, potentially accelerating global progress towards the Immunization Agenda 2030 targets. For Thailand, the challenge remains to close the gap for the most vulnerable children by drawing on local partnerships, technological innovation, and lessons from South Asia’s campaign. As emerging infectious diseases and vaccine hesitancy pose ongoing threats, robust, equitable immunization programs will remain at the heart of child health strategies.
For practical action, the experience of South Asia highlights several recommendations for Thai policymakers and civil society: maintain high investment levels in vaccination programs, nurture public trust by engaging community and religious leaders, use data to identify underserved populations, and innovate outreach through mobile and home-based immunization services. Families are encouraged to stay informed about their children’s vaccination schedules and to consult health centers if in doubt.
As frontline health workers, government officials, and communities continue to strive for every child’s right to good health, the South Asian story is a beacon of hope and a model for Thailand and the broader Southeast Asian region.
Sources: WHO Thailand, UNICEF South Asia, Bangkok Post, WHO Thailand Country Profile.