Hussaini Ibrahim 
Health workers administering polio vaccine to children in Kano community
KANO, Nigeria – Vaccines are preventing an estimated 1.8 million deaths every year in Africa, the World Health Organization has said, warning that millions of children still remain unprotected despite major gains.
Marking African Vaccination Week, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohammed Janabi, on Sunday said immunisation programmes have protected around 500 million children on the continent since 2000.
He noted that vaccine coverage has expanded beyond childhood, with newer interventions including HPV vaccines, maternal immunisation and malaria vaccines now being deployed across multiple countries.
Recent milestones include the rollout of malaria vaccines in 25 countries and the elimination of measles and rubella in Cabo Verde, Mauritius and Seychelles.
Through the “Big Catch-Up” initiative, nearly 8.75 million previously unvaccinated children have also been reached, while routine immunisation rates for diseases such as diphtheria and tetanus have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.
However, Janabi warned that progress remains uneven.
“About 6.7 million children remain unvaccinated and 9.5 million under-immunised, often in conflict-affected or remote areas,” he said.
To close the gaps, countries are deploying digital tracking systems, solar-powered cold chains and community-based outreach programmes.
The WHO emphasised that immunisation is not only a health intervention but also an economic one, estimating that every dollar invested yields up to $44 in returns.
Health experts warn that without sustained funding and political commitment, recent gains could stall, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable diseases.
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Korede Abdullah 
Mirian Gom 
