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<p>COVID-19 lockdown measures have disrupted routine immunisation services in the
poorest countries with the weakest health systems, reducing access to vaccines for
vulnerable children. The World Health Organisation estimates that coverage of the
third dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis may have declined by 25-50% in May
2020 in Gavi-supported countries as compared to baseline levels.</p><p>Routine immunisation
is the strongest shield against outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases. The UK
is Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance's largest donor. Through UK support, Gavi, UNICEF and
the World Health Organisation are working closely with countries to maintain and restore
coverage levels, through catch up immunisation campaigns and strengthened routine
immunisation programmes.</p><p>Through our support to Gavi and DFID’s bilateral health
programmes, we are advocating for the importance of immunisation within countries’
COVID-19 primary health care recovery plans, with an unrelenting focus on equity at
the sub-national level and reaching zero-dose children. The $8.8 billion raised by
the UK at the Global Vaccine Summit on 4<sup>th</sup> June, will enable Gavi to immunise
300 million more children and save up to 8 million lives.</p>
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