LONDON — Dozens of developing countries exaggerated figures on how many children were vaccinated against deadly diseases, which allowed them to get more money from U.N.-sponsored programs, a new study said Thursday.
Research in the medical journal, The Lancet, said only half as many children were vaccinated than was claimed by countries taking part in special programs meant to reach kids in poor nations. The findings raise serious issues about vaccination programs — and whether money earmarked for children is actually reaching intended recipients.
The scientists examined reports the countries gave to the United Nations and compared those figures with independent surveys conducted by nongovernmental groups and other outside researchers.
They found that at least 32 of the 51 countries taking part overreported by at least 50 percent how many children were protected against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.
