Progress in Africa
Major gains in immunization have been made in recent years, and Africa was declared wild polio-free in 2020. Over 40 African countries have eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus, and vaccines are making a huge impact on diseases like cervical cancer, hepatitis and Ebola.
Yet around 9 million children in the WHO African region still miss out on life-saving vaccines each year and one in five children remain unprotected from vaccine preventable diseases, which claim the lives of over 500 000 children under 5 years in Africa every year.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted planned vaccination drives In 15 African countries, with over 16 million African children missing measles vaccine doses since January 2020.
The eyes of the world are on COVID-19 vaccines, and with other measures like mask-wearing and physical distancing, equitably protecting people with safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines will help end the pandemic.
Yet as Africa rolls out COVID-19 vaccines, we must redouble our efforts to boost other crucial, life-saving immunization commitments.
Message of Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa
This year we commemorate African Vaccination Week at a time when vaccines are on the highest of political agendas globally.
Our theme this year is “Vaccines bring us closer.” This is a reminder of the power of vaccines to fight disease, save lives and bring us closer to a healthier, safer and more prosperous future.
Significant gains in immunization have been made in recent years. In an historic milestone, the WHO African Region was certified free of wild poliovirus last year. Over 40 African countries have eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus. Vaccinations are also having a huge beneficial impact on other diseases like cervical cancer, hepatitis and Ebola.
Read the full messageMore action
The Africa Vaccination Week 2021 campaign calls on leaders and governments to:
- Boost integrated action to increase and expand access to immunization as part of primary health care.
- Invest in health professionals, surveillance, health information systems, management and coordination and other crucial capacities.
- Boost efforts to combat dangerous misinformation around vaccines and empower local leaders and influencers to build trust in vaccines.
Get involved
Join the Africa Vaccination Week campaign by using our social media graphics in English, French and Portuguese.
Join the conversation on social media with the hashtags #AVW2021 #ProtectedTogether #VaccinesWork and #EveryShotCounts