While Africa has made tremendous gains toward increasing access to immunization in the last 15 years, progress has stagnated, leaving one in five of African children without access to life-saving vaccines. As a result, vaccine-preventable diseases continue to claim too many lives.
In February 2016, ministers or heads of delegation from across African signed the Addis Declaration on Immunization (ADI) at the landmark Ministerial Conference on Immunization in Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. To date, representatives from 49 African countries have signed the declaration. In addition, three statements of support were signed by civil society organizations, religious leaders and parliamentarians to support implementation of the ADI and reach every child in Africa with essential vaccines.
The ADI is a historic and timely pledge to ensure that everyone in Africa – regardless of who they are or where they live – receives the full benefits of immunization. It includes 10 commitments, including increasing vaccine-related funding, strengthening supply chains and delivery systems, and making universal access to vaccines a cornerstone of health and development efforts.
Immunization is one of the most cost-effective solutions in global health, with clear benefits for health and sustainable development. Universal access to immunization is at the forefront of enabling Africa to reach its full potential – by improving health, driving economic growth and empowering future generations.
For more about the conference visit the conference website.