Key players must renew commitment to achieving equitable access to lifesaving vaccines for every child, every community and every country in the WHO African Region.
Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, gave the charge in a release to commemorate year 2025 African Vaccination Week .
He explained that Immunization is not only one of the most effective public health tools; it is a fundamental right, a shared responsibility and a vital investment in our future. Vaccines have saved an estimated 154 million lives over the past 50 years, reducing infant mortality by 40% and protecting people from more than 30 deadly diseases.
Dr. Ihekweazu added that in 2024, the global community celebrated 50 years of the Expanded Programme on Immunization. This milestone was a reminder of the extraordinary progress made – and the work that remains.
Despite the advances, far too many people in our region still lack access to essential vaccines. One in five children in Africa remain under-vaccinated. In 2023 alone, 6.7 million children received no vaccines at all – so-called “zero-dose” children. Measles outbreaks persist, while vaccine-derived poliovirus continues to pose a threat.
Reiterating the theme for 2025; he expressed confidence that Immunization for all is humanly possible, a powerful call to action.affirming the essence of collective action to reach every last child, strengthen health systems, and restore and expand routine immunization services disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Ihekweazu believes Now is the time to accelerate progress, expand coverage and close immunity gaps. as this year also marks the midway point of Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), a global commitment to achieving equitable vaccine access by 2030.
He assured that WHO and partners are working closely with countries to identify and reach zero-dose children, integrate immunization into primary health care, and build stronger, more resilient health systems. Initiatives like the Big Catch-Up are helping to restore essential services, while the introduction of new vaccines, such as those for malaria and human papillomavirus (HPV), is expanding our disease prevention arsenal.
Notable progress has also been made in the fight against vaccine-derived polio. Between 2023 and 2024, the African region recorded a 93% decline in circulating variant poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) cases, and a 65% reduction in cVDPV2. This shows that eradication is within reach – if we maintain momentum, especially in high-risk areas like the Lake Chad Basin and the Horn of Africa.
Dr. Chikweazu called on Government to sustain and build on this progress by increasing domestic investment and securing sustainable immunization financing, integrating vaccines into essential services and expanding access to Health Systems
He also wants Communities to stand against misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, while global partners are encouraged to continue supporting equitable vaccine access across Africa.
He reaffirmed the WHO Regional Office for Africa’s steadfastness in its support to Countries and partners, working together to ensure that immunization for all is not just a goal, but a reality.
