ROUTINE CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION COVERAGE IN UZBEKISTAN: TRENDS, CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

Routine immunization is one of the most effective measures for reducing child mortality and the burden of vaccine-preventable infections. This review analyzes trends in routine childhood immunization coverage in Uzbekistan in 2012–2023 based on WHO and UNICEF estimates. Coverage with the third dose of DTP vaccine (DTP3) remained at 99% in 2012–2017, fell to 96% in 2019 and 95% in 2020 (the program reported a five-month vaccine stockout), and reached 99% again in 2022–2023. Coverage with the first dose of measles-containing vaccine was 99% in 2023. Alongside the introduction of new vaccines — rotavirus (2014), pneumococcal conjugate (2015) and inactivated polio (2018) — rotavirus vaccine coverage varied sharply from year to year (48% to 99%), which was linked to vaccine supply interruptions. The 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) showed 95.8% DTP3 coverage, but the share of children vaccinated by the age of one year was 85.5%. According to UNICEF data for 2026, Uzbekistan was among the countries with the largest reductions in the number of zero-dose children in 2025. Continuity of vaccine supply, data quality and timeliness of vaccination were identified as priority tasks.