Vaccines cut measles deaths in Africa, but millions of children still at risk
Vaccines cut measles deaths in Africa, since 2000, across the continent. The article states that nearly 20 million measles-related deaths have been prevented. The report shows that about 19.5 million deaths have been averted, while more than 500 million children have been protected through routine immunization between 2000 and 2024.
Since 2000, 44 countries in Africa have added a second dose of the measles vaccine to their routine immunization programmes, increasing coverage from just 5 percent in 2000 to 55 percent in 2024. Mass vaccination campaigns have delivered more than 622 million doses. These efforts have helped cut measles deaths in the region by half and reduced overall cases by 40 percent. In 2025, Cabo Verde, Mauritius and Seychelles became the first in sub-Saharan Africa to eliminate measles and rubella. Routine vaccination now protects against 13 diseases, up from 8 in 2000. Deaths from meningitis have dropped by 39 percent, while malaria vaccines have been introduced in 25 countries. In 2024 alone, vaccines are estimated to have saved at least 1.9 million lives, with measles vaccination accounting for 42 percent of those lives saved.
Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said "Africa has made remarkable progress in less than a generation, expanding immunization and saving millions of young lives," but warned that progress is uneven and slowing in some areas. Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, noted that progress is not equal across countries and that more effort is needed to reach children in remote and fragile settings. Under the Immunization Agenda 2030, countries aim to reach
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A new analysis by the World Health Organization and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, highlights vaccination efforts across Africa. Health experts say the progress shows the impact of sustained investment in vaccines - especially against measles.
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