Gulf Cooperation Council countries reached full immunisation coverage in 2024, with essential vaccine rates hitting 100 percent against a global average of roughly 84 percent, according to new data from the Statistical Centre for the GCC.
The figures were released in the centre's weekly bulletin marking World Health Day 2026, highlighting the region's strengthening public health systems and the effectiveness of national immunisation programmes across member states.
Beyond vaccines, the data points to a broader Gulf commitment to global health. In 2023, GCC countries contributed approximately $842.7 million to health sector financing and medical research through Official Development Assistance, accounting for around 4.6 percent of total international development aid.
The bulletin underscores that these efforts are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all age groups. Investment in scientific research is identified as a central pillar of this agenda.
GCC nations are also positioning themselves as partners to developing countries, supporting the growth of health systems, building local capacity to manage health challenges, and improving access to essential medicines and vaccines across underserved populations.
The centre noted that continuous investment in health infrastructure, combined with stronger international cooperation, forms the foundation of Gulf health policy as the region works toward universal health coverage and a sustainable health future.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
