Africa Vaccination Week: Time to intensify immunization

PRETORIA, 30 April 2025:  As Africa Vaccination Week draws to a close, the ongoing cases of measles in both South Africa and Zimbabwe are a clear call to action to ensure that lifesaving vaccines are available for every child.

Globally, vaccines have saved an estimated 154 million lives over the past 50 years, reducing infant mortality by 40% (and by 52% in Africa) and protecting people from more than 30 deadly diseases. The reality is 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. Immunization is cited as the story of global success.

With measles, transmission usually occurs in children under 5-years old, hence the recent cases do raise concerns about the large number of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children and adults in this region.

Despite notable progress, the data remains concerning, with the number of children missing out on any diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccination (zero-dose children) increasing from 151,000 in 2022 to 220,000 in 2023. In addition, DTP3 coverage declined to 79% in 2023, leaving 243,000 children vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. This is concerning because coverage against most infections needs to be at 90% to protect infants against preventable diseases.

UNICEF has been active in addressing such outbreaks and has, since 2023, worked with the cities of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane to train health facility managers at priority facilities to reach all children. The focus is also to implement targeted interventions, including with certain religious groups who reject modern medicine and those who remain reluctant to vaccinate, in part due to difficulty accessing vaccines, or due to a limited understanding of vaccination benefits and requirements.

UNICEF South Africa’s Representative Christine Muhigana emphasized the importance of these efforts, noting that “promoting public awareness and strengthening the vaccine supply chain are our key priorities at this time. We cannot afford to reverse the gains that have been made because children are bearing the brunt of this concerning situation.”

It is fitting that the theme for this year’s Africa Vaccination Week 2025 has been “Immunization for all is humanly possible” with the following priorities:

1. Reach zero-dose children through accelerated implementation of big catch-up initiatives.
2. Show vaccines' health benefits for children, communities, and Africa.
3. Highlight routine immunization's role in strong health systems and universal coverage.
4. Continue improving immunization and addressing gaps with more investment.

Africa Vaccination Week is a timely opportunity to enhance our collective efforts to advance immunization programmes and ensure a healthier future for all children.

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Note to the editors

About Africa Vaccination Week

Africa Vaccination Week (AVW), endorsed in September 2010 by the resolution AFR/RC60/14 to strengthen immunization programs in the African Region, is celebrated the last week of April each year simultaneously with World Immunization Week. AVW highlights the collective actions needed to strengthen immunization programmes in the region, increasing the timely use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. It aims to keep immunization high on the national and regional agendas through advocacy and partnerships, while promoting delivery of other lifesaving interventions.