In spite of global advances in immunization, over 500,000 children under the age of five in Africa die annually from preventable diseases like measles, polio and whooping cough. Factors such as limited healthcare funding, low vaccine trust and instability contribute to the problem.
Wealthier nations have virtually eliminated many of these preventable diseases, but systemic barriers continue to deny millions of people in other parts of the world access to basic vaccines, leaving them vulnerable to illnesses that could be easily prevented.
As of 2023, only 16 African countries achieved over 90% coverage for critical vaccines, including the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) and measles (MCV1) vaccines. Despite that, the number of “zero-dose” children (those receiving no vaccines), rose to 7.9 million, a 16% surge since 2019. This backslides, caused by COVID-19 disruptions, inequitable health access and fragile systems, renders the vulnerability of communities. Countries like Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan report persistently high mortality rates, while recent measles outbreaks in Somalia and Zimbabwe, alongside diphtheria surges in Chad and Nigeria, underline the continent’s risky state.
Vaccine-preventable diseases drain African economies of an estimated $13 billion yearly, causing a strain in health systems and stifling development. Yet immunization remains one of the most cost-effective public health tools, offering a return on investment of up to 37 times the initial cost. “A measles vaccine vial costs just $2.85, but coverage gaps have led to 28 African countries facing disruptive outbreaks since 2018,” noted health experts.
To address these challenges, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in partnership with the African Union, World Health Organization, UNICEF and others, is advancing the Continental Immunization Strategy. This plan aims to unify and strengthen health systems under the Immunization Agenda 2030, prioritizing equity resilience and local vaccine production.
Africa currently produces less than 1% of its vaccines, a vulnerability we must transform into strength said Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC. The agency aims to manufacture 60% of the continent’s vaccines locally by 2040, with 25 production projects underway from 2024. Eight antigens are expected to achieve WHO pre-qualification between 2025 and 2030, focusing on progress toward self-reliance.
In addition to that, parallel efforts include upgrading cold-chain infrastructure, training health workers, improving disease surveillance and mobilizing emergency vaccines for threats like COVID-19 and mpox. Africa CDC is also championing innovative financing and domestic resource mobilization to close funding gaps.
As Africa Vaccination Week highlighted these issues, health leaders stress that solutions are within reach. “The path forward demands political will, investment and regional collaboration,” Dr. Kaseya stated. Success stories, such as declining zero-dose rates in post-pandemic recovery nations, offer hope.
With over 4 million children from Africa still at risk of developing preventable diseases each year, the urgency is clear. As global partners rally, the focus remains on turning pledges into protection—ensuring every child, even in the most remote communities, receives a lifeline through vaccination.
Source: Africa CDC.
