Africa aims to revitalize immunization efforts
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Across Africa, vaccination rates are declining despite past successes in preventing diseases and saving lives, immunization efforts saved at least 52 million lives on the continent in the last 50 years, as challenges like growing populations, conflict, and financial pressures increase.
In 2025, 7.1 million African children, 15.6% of those under one year old, did not receive any routine vaccinations, leading to more outbreaks of measles and other preventable illnesses.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) launched the Continental Immunisation Strategy 2026-2030 to address these issues, focusing on areas like financing, data systems, healthcare integration, community involvement, vaccine production, and emergency preparedness. Experts contributing to the strategy highlight five priorities for success: securing sustainable funding from within African nations, implementing digital systems to track vaccinations, integrating immunizations into regular healthcare services, building trust with communities, and increasing local vaccine manufacturing.
Currently, Africa imports 99% of its vaccines, making it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. The strategy supports the African Union’s goal of producing 60% of the continent’s vaccine needs by 2040 through investments in existing manufacturers in countries like Senegal, South Africa, Egypt, and Tunisia. Ultimately, the Africa CDC hopes to measure success by ensuring all people, regardless of location or circumstance, have access to necessary vaccinations, strengthening health systems and promoting development.
