The World Health Organization (WHO) says vaccines prevent about 1.8 million deaths annually in Africa, highlighting their critical role in public health.
In a statement on Sunday marking African Vaccination Week (April 24–30), themed “For Every Generation, Vaccines Work,” Mohammed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasised that immunisation saves lives and strengthens families.
He added that vaccination allows communities to thrive without the disruption of disease outbreaks.
Since 2000, roughly 500 million African children have been protected through routine vaccination, Janabi said. Protection extends beyond childhood, with HPV vaccines helping prevent cervical cancer in adolescent girls, maternal vaccines safeguarding mothers and newborns, and booster doses maintaining immunity into adulthood.
Janabi highlighted progress across the continent, including digital tracking systems, solar-powered cold storage, and community-driven outreach.
“Malaria vaccines are now being introduced in 25 countries, and in December 2025, Cabo Verde, Mauritius, and Seychelles became the first in the WHO African Region to eliminate measles and rubella. Initiatives like the Big Catch-Up reached nearly 8.75 million previously unvaccinated children, while coverage for diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.
“However, challenges remain, with about 6.7 million children still unvaccinated and 9.5 million under-immunised, often in conflict-affected or remote areas.”
Janabi called for renewed commitment, increased domestic funding, and stronger partnerships, stressing that immunisation is not only lifesaving but also economically beneficial, yielding an estimated $44 return for every $1 invested.
