Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, made the appeal in a statement commemorating the annual week-long observance, which coincides with World Immunisation Week. He urged governments, partners, and communities to invest in equitable, resilient immunisation systems that ensure no child is left behind.
“Immunisation 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,” said Dr Ihekweazu.
Highlighting both progress and persisting challenges, Dr Ihekweazu cited the enormous impact vaccines have had over the last half-century — with an estimated 154 million lives saved, infant mortality cut by 40%, and protection extended against over 30 life-threatening diseases.
The observance follows the global celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in 2024, a milestone that underscores the importance of sustained efforts in vaccination coverage. Yet, despite these gains, Africa continues to face critical challenges in vaccine access and delivery.
“In 2023 alone, 6.7 million African children received no vaccines at all — classified as ‘zero-dose’ children,” Dr Ihekweazu noted. “One in five children across the region remains under-vaccinated.”
This year marks the mid-point of the Immunisation Agenda 2030, a key moment, he said, to accelerate progress toward universal coverage. WHO is working closely with countries to identify zero-dose populations, integrate immunisation into primary healthcare, and strengthen the capacity of national health systems.
Initiatives such as the Big Catch-Up campaign are helping restore immunisation services disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the rollout of new vaccines, including those for malaria and HPV, is helping to broaden the region’s disease prevention strategies.
Dr Ihekweazu also pointed to significant progress in the fight against vaccine-derived poliovirus, with the African Region recording a 93% decline in cVDPV1 cases and a 65% drop in cVDPV2 between 2023 and 2024. These reductions bring the continent closer to eradication — particularly in vulnerable regions like the Lake Chad Basin and the Horn of Africa.
Earlier in February, WHO co-hosted a high-level review with the African Union Commission, Gavi, UNICEF, Africa CDC, and the Government of Sierra Leone to assess progress since the 2017 Addis Declaration on Immunisation. The event acknowledged improvements in political commitment and system strengthening, but also highlighted ongoing challenges — from funding gaps and data quality issues to persistent inequities.
In his closing remarks, Dr Ihekweazu called for renewed collective action. He urged African governments to increase domestic investment, embed immunisation into essential health services, combat misinformation, and galvanise community-level support. He also appealed to global partners to maintain their support for equitable vaccine distribution.
“The WHO Regional Office for Africa remains steadfast in its support to countries and partners,” he affirmed. “Vaccinated communities are healthy communities, and no one should be left behind. Let us turn our commitments into action.”
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