The impact of armed conflict on vaccination coverage: a systematic review of empirical evidence from 1985 to 2025.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Armed conflict disrupts health systems and undermines routine immunization, contributing to excess morbidity and mortality. This systematic review examines empirical evidence on the impact of armed conflict on vaccination services and coverage, identifying patterns of disruption across geographic settings and conflict types.

Methods

This study followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251064804). We searched seven databases for peer-reviewed and grey literature (1985-2025) reporting quantitative comparisons of vaccination coverage before and after conflict onset, or between conflict-affected and unaffected populations. Screening and data extraction followed standardized systematic review protocols, with dual validation of a subset of studies

SUBMITTER: Headley TY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12519846 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature