Trends in immunization coverage (Global and Regional)

DPT refers to the combined diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccine.The percentage of children receiving the third dose, DPT3, is an indicator of how well countries provide routine immunization.

Global coverage for DPT3 has slowly but steadily increased to 79 per cent in 2006, a remarkable improvement from 30 per cent in 1980

Regional performance

While global coverage for DPT3 (three doses of the combined diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus vaccine) has hovered between 70-79 per cent since 1990, significant variations exist between and within regions and countries. Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, lags behind, but continues to make steady progress with coverage at 72 per cent estimated in 2006. Coverage for South Asia and Latin America remain stagnant at 63 per cent and 92 per cent respectively. The Central and Eastern European/Commonwealth of Independent States region has strengthened to reach 95 per cent in 2006.