Measles immunisation programmes have prevented close to 20 million deaths in Africa since 2000, according to a new report by the World Health Organisation (WHO)and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The study, which provides a detailed review of vaccination progress across the continent, revealed that over 500 million children have been protected through routine immunisation efforts.
Despite these gains, the report warned that Africa is still lagging behind global immunisation targets, raising concerns about future outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Data covering the period from 2000 to 2024 shows a steady expansion in vaccination programmes across Africa. During this time, 44 countries introduced a second dose of the measles vaccine into their national schedules.
Immunisation coverage improved significantly, rising from 5 percent to 55 percent, while mass vaccination campaigns delivered more than 600 million doses.
These efforts have contributed to a 50 percent reduction in measles-related deaths and a 40 percent decline in reported cases across the region.
Some countries have made notable progress in controlling the disease. According to WHO, nine African nations recorded consistently low measles cases in 2023 and 2024.
In a major milestone, Cabo Verde, Mauritius, and Seychelles were officially certified in 2025 as having eliminated both measles and rubella, becoming the first in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve this feat.
However, health experts say progress has been uneven. WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, noted that many children remain unvaccinated, particularly in hard-to-reach and fragile communities.
Routine immunisation programmes now cover 13 diseases, compared to just eight in 2000, but coverage gaps still exist.
The report also highlighted that while vaccination helped save about 1.9 million lives in 2024 alone, the continent is still not on track to meet the 90 percent coverage target under the 2030 Immunisation Agenda.
WHO and Gavi have called on governments to increase funding, strengthen health systems, and expand access to vaccines, especially in underserved areas.
They emphasised the need to accelerate the rollout of newer vaccines, including those targeting malaria and human papillomavirus (HPV).
Gavi CEO, Dr. Sania Nishtar, said the findings demonstrate the life-saving impact of vaccines but also highlight the need for sustained efforts to reach every child.
Health authorities warned that without stronger commitment and investment, the progress achieved so far could be reversed.
