Falling vaccination rates linked to global resurgence of vaccine-preventable neurological diseases
Feb 23rd 2026
Recent declines in routine immunization and interrupted vaccine campaigns have coincided with outbreaks of measles, polio and other infections that cause severe neurological harm, driven by access gaps, conflict, climate shocks and misinformation.
- Outbreaks of measles, poliomyelitis and other vaccine-preventable infections have risen as global vaccination coverage falls.
- Neurological outcomes from these infections include encephalitis, paralysis, cognitive impairment and high case fatality rates.
- COVID-19 related service disruptions, climate-driven instability and armed conflict have interrupted immunization campaigns in vulnerable regions.
- Misinformation and declining trust in public health agencies are worsening vaccine hesitancy worldwide.
- Low and middle income countries face disproportionate barriers to vaccination because of weak health infrastructure, economic insecurity and conflict-related disruption.
- Responses recommended include ensuring equitable vaccine access, targeted health education, integration of services and development of scalable next generation vaccine platforms such as mRNA.