By Muhammad Amaan
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said vaccines prevent about 1.8 million deaths annually in Africa, underscoring their critical role in public health.
In a statement on Sunday to mark African Vaccination Week – April 24–30, themed “For Every Generation, Vaccines Work,” the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohammed Janabi, said immunisation saves lives and strengthens families.
He added that vaccination enables communities to thrive without the disruption of disease outbreaks.
According to him, since 2000, about 500 million African children have been protected through routine immunisation.
Dr Janabi said the protection extends beyond childhood, noting that HPV vaccines help prevent cervical cancer in adolescent girls, while maternal vaccines safeguard both mothers and newborns, and booster doses help maintain immunity into adulthood.
He highlighted progress across the continent, including innovations such as 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 countries in the WHO African Region to eliminate measles and rubella.
“Through initiatives like the Big Catch-Up, nearly 8.75 million previously unvaccinated children were reached, 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 said.
He 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 dollar invested.
