A new continental review has revealed that millions of lives have been saved through sustained vaccination efforts in Africa, even as uneven coverage continues to threaten progress against preventable diseases.

The joint analysis by the World Health Organization and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance shows that measles immunisation alone has averted nearly 20 million deaths across Africa since 2000, with more than 500 million children protected through routine vaccination programmes.

Covering the period from 2000 to 2024, the report—the first of its kind tracking immunisation targets across the continent—highlights both significant achievements and persistent gaps under the global 2030 Immunisation Agenda.

According to the findings, 44 African countries have introduced a second dose of measles-containing vaccines into routine immunisation schedules, driving coverage rates from just five per cent in 2000 to 55 per cent in recent years. In addition, large-scale campaigns delivered over 622 million vaccine doses, contributing to a 50 per cent reduction in measles-related deaths and a 40 per cent drop in overall cases.

The report also notes that nine countries recorded consistently low measles incidence between 2023 and 2024, while Cabo Verde, Mauritius and Seychelles were certified in 2025 as having eliminated measles and rubella—the first sub-Saharan African nations to achieve that milestone.

Reacting to the findings, Dr Mohamed Janabi described the progress as substantial but uneven, warning that momentum is slowing in some regions.

“Africa has made remarkable progress in less than a generation, but too many children remain unreached,” he said, urging stronger investment in routine immunisation systems.

Beyond measles, vaccination programmes have expanded significantly, now protecting against 13 diseases compared to eight in 2000. Meningitis deaths have dropped by nearly 40 per cent, while malaria vaccines have been introduced in 25 countries. In 2024 alone, immunisation efforts saved an estimated 1.9 million lives, with measles accounting for about 42 per cent of those gains.

Despite these advances, the continent remains off track to meet the 90 per cent coverage target set under the 2030 agenda, which aims to protect populations at key life stages against diseases such as diphtheria, pertussis, measles and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Dr Sania Nishtar said the findings underscore both the effectiveness of vaccines and the disparities in access across countries.

She stressed the need to reach children in fragile and remote settings, noting that sustained financing, stronger health systems, and political commitment will be critical to closing immunisation gaps and safeguarding future generations.