Significant progress has been made across Africa in immunisation efforts, building on the foundation laid by the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), launched in 1974. The EPI has had a profound impact on the continent, particularly in reducing the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, and diphtheria. By targeting these key vaccine-preventable diseases, the EPI has contributed to improved public health outcomes and countless lives saved.
In recent years, several key initiatives have further advanced Africa’s vaccination efforts. The COVID-19 pandemic presented improvements in vaccination efforts. As of mid-2024, over 800 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered across Africa.
The GAVI Alliance, a global health partnership established in 2000, has been instrumental in supporting immunisation programmes in low-income countries. Since its inception in 2000, GAVI has invested over $20 billion in vaccines and immunisation programmes, substantially enhancing access to lifesaving vaccines across Africa. This investment has led to increased vaccination rates and improved health outcomes in many African nations.
In its mission to save lives, reduce poverty, and protect the world against the threat of epidemics and pandemics, GAVI helped vaccinate more than 1 billion children in 78 countries through the end of 2022, averting more than 17.3 million future deaths.
The African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT), established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has played a crucial role in accelerating vaccine access and distribution across the continent. had facilitated the delivery of millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses to various African countries. This initiative has been pivotal in addressing the urgent need for COVID-19 vaccines and supporting the continent’s pandemic response.
Hepatitis B is prevalent in Africa, and vaccination has been a key strategy to combat its spread. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns. As of 2024, many African countries have incorporated hepatitis B vaccines into their routine immunisation schedules. Data from WHO indicates that hepatitis B vaccination coverage among infants in Africa has improved, with many countries achieving coverage rates above 80%.
While Africa has made progress in improving childhood vaccination coverage, challenges persist. According to the World Health Organisation’s 2023 data, measles vaccination rates have increased to around 80%, but significant disparities remain across countries and regions.
To bridge these gaps, sustained efforts are needed to reach underserved areas. Although polio eradication was achieved in 2020 when Africa was declared free of wild poliovirus, continued vaccination efforts are crucial to prevent the virus’s resurgence. Despite the progress, the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases is ongoing, requiring continued investment and commitment to protect public health.
Obstacles such as vaccine hesitancy, inadequate cold chain infrastructure, and logistical issues in remote areas continue to hinder comprehensive vaccine distribution. Addressing vaccine hesitancy through public education and outreach is essential to overcoming these barriers and ensuring higher vaccination rates.
Innovative solutions have been developed. Mobile vaccination clinics have been successfully deployed in some African countries, bridging the gap to remote communities and enhancing vaccine accessibility. Community health workers are being empowered through training and deployment, playing a vital role in both vaccine administration and public education.
Meanwhile, collaborative efforts between governments, international organisations, and non-profits have been instrumental in strengthening vaccination programmes and addressing infrastructure shortcomings.
The combined efforts of some vaccination programmes have led to improved vaccination coverage and public health outcomes. However, continued innovation, addressing challenges, and sustaining collaborative efforts are essential to achieving comprehensive immunisation and safeguarding public health across the continent.
