By Franca Ofili
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that many people in Africa still lack access to essential vaccines, with one in five children remaining under-vaccinated.
Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, said this on Tuesday in recognition of African Vaccination Week, which runs from April 24 to 30.
“In 2024, the global community marked 50 years of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation. This milestone serves as a reminder of the extraordinary progress made and the remaining work.
“In spite of these advancements, far too many people in our region still lack access to essential vaccines. One in five children in Africa remains under-vaccinated.
“In 2023 alone, 6.7 million children were left without vaccines, becoming what we call ‘zero-dose’ children. Measles outbreaks continue, and vaccine-derived poliovirus remains a significant threat,” Ihekweazu said.
Ihekweazu emphasised that immunisation was not only one of the most effective public health tools but also a fundamental right, a shared responsibility, and an essential investment in the future.
“Vaccines have saved an estimated 154 million lives over the past 50 years, reducing infant mortality by 40 per cent and protecting against more than 30 deadly diseases.”
He highlighted that this year’s African Vaccination Week theme, “Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible,” was a powerful call to action.
“It affirms that together, we can reach every last child, strengthen health systems, and restore and expand routine immunisation services disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“This year also marks the halfway point of Immunisation Agenda 2030 (IA2030), a global commitment to achieving equitable vaccine access by 2030.
“Now is the time to accelerate progress, expand coverage, and close immunity gaps. WHO and its partners work closely with countries to identify and reach zero-dose children, integrate immunisation into primary healthcare, and build stronger, more resilient health systems.
“Initiatives like the Big Catch-Up are working to restore essential services, while new vaccines, including those for malaria and human papillomavirus (HPV), are expanding the disease prevention arsenal,” Ihekweazu stated.
Ihekweazu also pointed to significant progress in the fight against vaccine-derived polio.
He noted a 93 per cent decline in circulating variant poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) cases in the African region between 2023 and 2024.
Additionally, he said there was a 65 per cent reduction in cVDPV2 cases during the same period, highlighting the progress made in combating the disease.
“This shows that eradication is within reach, especially in high-risk areas like the Lake Chad Basin and the Horn of Africa,” he said.
To sustain this progress, Ihekweazu called for increased domestic investment in immunisation, sustainable financing for vaccination programmes, and expanded vaccine access through health systems integration.
He also urged communities to combat misinformation and vaccine hesitancy and encouraged global partners to continue supporting equitable vaccine access across Africa.
“The WHO Regional Office for Africa remains committed to supporting countries and partners to make immunisation for all a reality.
“Let us turn commitments into action. Vaccinated communities are healthy, and no one should be left behind,” Ihekweazu added.
