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  • Title: UNICEF report highlights unregistered births.
    Journal: Afr Health; 1998 Jul; 20(5):39. PubMed ID: 12294121.
    Abstract:
    This brief article voices a concern about unregistered births and the recent decline in immunization coverage, especially in developing countries. A recent report by UNICEF, "The Progress of Nations, 1998" reports that 1 in 3 newborns, or about 40 million births, are unregistered. Some developing countries lack a registration system. UNICEF is concerned about unregistered births because of the implications for receipt of services. In Kenya, for example, unregistered children may not be eligible for immunization. In the past 20 years, immunization coverage rates have increased from 5% to 80%. This progress may be further improved with the possibility of vaccine coverage for diarrheal diseases and acute respiratory infections. It is predicted that soon it may be possible to save the lives of 8 million children yearly. However, there is a declining trend in immunization at a time when new vaccines are about to enter the market. In addition, 2 million children's lives could be saved if every child were vaccinated. Only 50% of the children in sub-Saharan Africa receive immunization against diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus. Measles kills over 800,000 children yearly, but measles immunization is often not performed. Measles immunization varies widely by country in Africa. In Uganda, all children are vaccinated against measles, while only 20% in Kenya are protected against measles. In developed countries, only 89% of children in the US were vaccinated against measles. Adults need vaccination against hepatitis B, which kills about 1 million/year. Yellow fever is reoccurring in Africa and Latin America.
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