By Vincent Ekpo
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised concerns over the rising number of unvaccinated children in Africa, warning that outbreaks of measles, diphtheria and vaccine-derived polio could undermine decades of health progress across the continent.
In a statement marking the 2026 African Vaccination Week, the WHO Regional Director for Africa disclosed that about 6.7 million children in the region have not received a single routine vaccine, while an additional 9.5 million children remain under-immunised.
According to WHO, vaccines currently prevent an estimated 1.8 million deaths annually in Africa, but millions of children are still being left vulnerable because of poverty, conflicts and inadequate access to healthcare services.
The organisation stressed that immunisation remains one of Africa’s biggest public health achievements, noting that routine vaccination programmes have protected nearly 500 million children across the continent since 2000.
WHO said vaccination now extends beyond childhood diseases, with newer vaccines protecting people at different stages of life.
The organisation explained that Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines help protect girls against cervical cancer, while maternal vaccines provide protection for both mothers and newborns.
It also noted that booster doses and other recommended vaccines help sustain immunity into adulthood and old age.
Highlighting recent achievements, WHO disclosed that Cabo Verde, Mauritius and Seychelles became the first countries in the WHO African Region to eliminate measles and rubella after verification by the African Regional Verification Commission in December 2025.
The organisation described the development as proof that a measles-free Africa is achievable through sustained vaccination coverage and strong disease surveillance systems.
WHO further stated that under the “Big Catch-Up” initiative, nearly 8.75 million children who had previously missed routine vaccinations were reached, while immunisation coverage for diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough had recovered to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
The agency also revealed that 25 African countries are introducing malaria vaccines, describing the rollout as a major breakthrough in efforts to combat one of the continent’s deadliest diseases.
On polio eradication, WHO said vaccination campaigns since 1988 have prevented an estimated 1.57 million deaths and protected more than 20 million people from paralysis.
According to the organisation, nearly 200 million children in the Lake Chad Basin and the Horn of Africa received vaccines last year through coordinated regional immunisation efforts.
However, WHO warned that declining donor support could threaten immunisation programmes unless African governments increase domestic funding for healthcare.
The organisation said Africa was at a critical point in achieving the goals of the Immunisation Agenda 2030 and called for renewed commitment from governments and development partners.
WHO described immunisation as one of the most cost-effective investments governments can make, noting that every dollar invested in childhood vaccination in Africa generates an estimated 44 dollars in economic returns through reduced healthcare costs and improved productivity.
The Regional Director urged governments, health partners and communities to intensify efforts to ensure that life-saving vaccines reach every person across the continent.
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