Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nearly 20 million lives have been saved in Africa through measles vaccination since 2000, according to a new analysis by the World Health Organization and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The report released on Wednesday found that about 19.5 million measles-related deaths were prevented, while more than 500 million children received protection through routine immunisation between 2000 and 2024.
The findings highlight significant progress in expanding vaccine coverage, with 44 African countries now administering a second dose of measles vaccines. Coverage has risen from just five percent in 2000 to 55 percent in 2024.
Supplementary campaigns have delivered over 622 million vaccine doses, contributing to a 40 percent decline in measles cases and halving deaths across the region.
“This demonstrates the immense life-saving power of vaccines,” said Mohamed Janabi, who warned that progress remains uneven.
Despite the gains, Africa is still off track to meet the 90 percent immunisation coverage target under the global Immunization Agenda 2030.
Challenges including weak health systems, population growth, climate disruptions, and conflict continue to limit access to vaccines, particularly in remote and fragile communities.
The report also notes broader progress against vaccine-preventable diseases, including a 39 percent reduction in meningitis deaths and expanded coverage for hepatitis B, HPV, and malaria vaccines.
Experts say sustained investment and stronger health systems are critical to maintaining progress and ensuring no child is left behind.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
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